Matthew
Tax Collector turned Evangelist
1st century AD
Levi the tax collector, called by Jesus from his booth, who wrote the first Gospel.
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” — Matthew 9:13Talk with Matthew
The story of Matthew
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum before Jesus called him. Tax collectors were often despised by their fellow Jews because they worked for the Roman occupiers and were frequently dishonest. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax booth and said, 'Follow me,' Matthew immediately left his lucrative profession and everything behind to follow Him.
To celebrate his new life, Matthew hosted a large banquet at his house for Jesus, inviting many other tax collectors and 'sinners.' This act drew criticism from the Pharisees, but Jesus responded that He came to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. This event highlighted Matthew’s desire to share his encounter with Christ with his former colleagues and friends.
Matthew is traditionally credited as the author of the first Gospel, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience. His Gospel emphasizes how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and presents Him as the promised King and Messiah. After Pentecost, Matthew is believed to have preached the Gospel in Judea and later in other regions, though accounts of his later life and martyrdom vary by tradition.
Key passages
Matthew 9:9–13
Jesus calls Matthew from his tax booth and eats with sinners at his house.
Mark 2:13–17
The parallel account identifying Matthew by his other name, Levi.
Matthew 10:2–4
Matthew is listed among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.
Acts 1:12–14
Matthew is present with the other apostles in the upper room after the Ascension.
Key books
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- Acts
Questions you can ask
- “What was it like leaving the tax booth?”
- “Why did you write your Gospel?”
- “Tell me about the feast for sinners”
Common questions
Why was Matthew’s job as a tax collector controversial?
Tax collectors worked for Rome and often took extra money for themselves. Most Jews viewed them as traitors and greedy outcasts.
Are Matthew and Levi the same person?
Yes, the Gospels of Mark and Luke refer to him as Levi, while the Gospel of Matthew uses the name Matthew. It was common for people to have two names.
What is unique about the Gospel of Matthew?
It focuses heavily on how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament Law and prophecies, making it particularly meaningful for Jewish readers.