Who Was Matthew the Apostle — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 9:9, sits inside Matthew 9. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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