Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew means “gift of Yahweh” in Hebrew, while the name Levi means “attached” or “joined.” Matthew was a tax collector before becoming a disciple of Jesus. His exact birth date is unknown, but he was likely born in the 1st century AD in Capernaum, a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Early Life of Matthew/Levi
Little is known about Matthew’s early life. As a tax collector, he would have been considered an outcast and traitor by many of his fellow Jews, as he collected taxes on behalf of the Roman Empire. In this role, he likely interacted with a variety of people and cultures, which would have given him unique insight and perspective.
Biblical Timeline
Jesus Calls Matthew
Matthew’s life took a dramatic turn when Jesus approached him at his tax booth and said, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). Despite his controversial occupation, Matthew immediately left everything behind and followed Jesus, becoming one of his twelve apostles.
Matthew’s Feast for Jesus
Shortly after Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew hosted a feast for Jesus at his home (Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32). This event was significant because it demonstrated Jesus’ willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners, breaking social norms and challenging the religious leaders’ expectations.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples
Jesus sends out the twelve apostles, including Matthew, to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16).
The Last Supper
Matthew participates in the Last Supper with Jesus and the other apostles, sharing in the institution of the Eucharist (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23).
The Great Commission
Matthew receives the Great Commission from the risen Jesus, along with the other apostles, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20).
Death of Matthew/Levi
The circumstances of Matthew’s death are not recorded in the Bible, and various traditions have different accounts. Some suggest he was martyred in Ethiopia, while others claim he died a natural death in Jerusalem or Persia. The exact date and location of his death remain uncertain.
Additional Notes
Authorship of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament. This Gospel is a key source of information about Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry. While the Gospel itself does not explicitly identify its author, early Christian tradition attributes it to Matthew.
Tax Collector
It is important to note that Matthew’s profession as a tax collector would have made him a despised figure among his fellow Jews. However, his conversion to follow Jesus and his subsequent role as an apostle demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus’ message.
Gospel’s Emphasis on Jesus as the Messiah
Matthew’s Gospel is particularly notable for its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah. This focus may reflect Matthew’s desire to demonstrate Jesus’ importance to his fellow Jews. His Gospel was widely read and respected by the early Church, and his writings were often cited by Church Fathers in their theological discussions. His focus on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies helped establish the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.