Who Was Matthew the Apostle?
Who Was Matthew the Apostle? Matthew (Levi) was a despised tax collector whom Jesus called to be an apostle, and he authored the first Gospel bearing his name.
Key verse: Matthew 9:9 (KJV)
Matthew (Levi) was a despised tax collector whom Jesus called to be an apostle, and he authored the first Gospel bearing his name.
Matthew (Levi) was a despised tax collector whom Jesus called to be an apostle, and he authored the first Gospel bearing his name.
"And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him." — Matthew 9:9 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Matthew's calling is one of the most dramatic conversion stories in Scripture. As a tax collector for Rome, he was despised by fellow Jews as a traitor and sinner. Yet Jesus simply said 'Follow me,' and Matthew 'left all, rose up, and followed him' (Luke 5:28). He immediately threw a great feast, inviting other tax collectors and sinners to meet Jesus—demonstrating evangelistic zeal from day one. When criticized, Jesus declared: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance' (Luke 5:32). Matthew's Gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, with extensive Old Testament quotations. His transformation from corrupt tax collector to Gospel writer illustrates the radical change Christ brings.
Key Scripture References
"And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him."
"And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them."
"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Were the Twelve Apostles?
The twelve apostles were the men Jesus chose as His closest followers and commissioned to spread the gospel: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias).
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
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The Tax Collector Apostle
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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