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Matthew

Matthew was a tax collector chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, and he became the author of the Gospel bearing his name. His calling demonstrates Jesus's redemptive power to transform sinners into devoted followers and kingdom workers.

Overview

Matthew (also called Levi) was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him to discipleship. As a tax collector, Matthew was considered a social outcast and sinner by Jewish society, yet Jesus saw in him potential for kingdom service. Matthew immediately left his occupation to follow Jesus and later wrote the Gospel that records Jesus's teachings and messianic fulfillment.

Key Scriptures

"As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he rose and followed him" (Matthew 9:9, ESV).

"And as he reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and reclined with Jesus and his disciples" (Matthew 9:10, ESV).

"And the twelve apostles were these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector" (Matthew 10:2-3, ESV).

Application

Matthew's transformation reminds believers that no one is beyond Jesus's redemptive reach, and He calls ordinary people to extraordinary kingdom purposes.

Scripture References 11
Matthew 9:9 Matthew 9:10 Mark 2:14 Mark 2:15 Luke 5:27 Luke 5:28 Luke 5:29 Matthew 10:3 Mark 3:18 Luke 6:15 Acts 1:13
Full Topical Reference List 11 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Called also Levi, a receiver of customs. Becomes a disciple of Jesus.

Acts 1:13 Luke 5:27 Luke 5:28 Luke 5:29 Luke 6:15 Mark 2:14 Mark 2:15 Mark 3:18 Matthew 9:9 Matthew 9:10 Matthew 10:3
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