Overview
Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ and is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel bearing his name. "Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth and said to him, 'Follow Me.' And Matthew got up and followed Him." — Matthew 9:9 (BSB). Matthew's transformation from a despised tax collector into an apostle and gospel writer demonstrates the radical grace of Christ and the power of redemption. His calling challenges cultural boundaries and shows that Christ came to seek and save the lost, regardless of their social standing or occupation.
As the author of the first Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of the Jews, weaving together Old Testament prophecies with the fulfillment found in Christ's life, death, and resurrection. His perspective as a former tax collector who understood both Jewish law and Gentile commerce provided unique insight into presenting Jesus to both Jewish and mixed audiences during the early church.
Biblical Account
Matthew's story begins with his work as a tax collector in Capernaum, a position that made him a social outcast among devout Jews. "Tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him." — Mark 2:15 (BSB). When Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, Matthew immediately left everything behind. "And getting up, he left everything and followed Him." — Luke 5:28 (BSB). This decisive response reveals the transformative power of Christ's call and Matthew's willingness to abandon his lucrative position for the sake of following the Messiah.
After his conversion, Matthew hosted a great banquet for Jesus, inviting many tax collectors and others of disreputable standing. This act of hospitality demonstrated his newfound identity and his desire to introduce others to the Savior who had changed his life. The religious leaders objected to this association, but Jesus responded with words of mercy: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." — Luke 5:31-32 (BSB).
Matthew was present throughout Jesus's ministry, witnessing His miracles, teachings, and resurrection. "Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'" — Matthew 28:18-19 (BSB). These final instructions from the risen Christ commissioned Matthew and the other apostles to carry the gospel to all people. Matthew later became a missionary, dedicating his life to spreading the message of Christ throughout the known world.
Theological Significance
Matthew's life exemplifies the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. His position as a tax collector placed him among the most despised members of Jewish society, yet Christ saw past his occupation to his potential as a disciple and witness. This demonstrates that salvation is not earned through social status or perceived worthiness but is freely given by God's grace. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." — Ephesians 2:8 (BSB).
The Gospel of Matthew reveals Christ's kingship and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Throughout his account, Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the "Son of David" and the promised Messiah. "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and they will call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" — Matthew 1:22-23 (BSB). Matthew's background as a learned scribe who understood Jewish law positioned him to make these connections explicit for Jewish believers.
Matthew's transformation also illustrates the doctrine of sanctification and the new life offered through Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and behold, the new has come." — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (BSB). Matthew's complete abandonment of his former life to follow Jesus demonstrates the radical reorientation that occurs when a person encounters the living Christ.
Key Scripture References
- Matthew 9:9 — "Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth and said to him, 'Follow Me.' And Matthew got up and followed Him." Matthew's immediate response to Christ's call.
- Matthew 10:2-3 — Matthew is listed among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, establishing his official role as a foundational member of the church.
- Mark 2:14-17 — The parallel account emphasizing Jesus's purpose to call sinners to repentance through Matthew's conversion.
- Matthew 28:19-20 — The Great Commission given to Matthew and the apostles, commanding them to make disciples of all nations.
- Matthew 1:1 — "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." Matthew's opening establishes Jesus's Messianic credentials.
- Luke 5:27-28 — Luke's account of Matthew's calling, emphasizing the immediate nature of his commitment to follow Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 — Paul's affirmation of the apostles' authority in witnessing the risen Christ.
Application for Believers Today
Matthew's life speaks powerfully to contemporary believers about the inclusive nature of Christ's redemption. No matter one's background, occupation, or past failures, Christ extends the invitation to follow Him. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 (BSB). Believers are encouraged to trust in God's grace regardless of their perceived unworthiness.
Matthew's transformation also challenges believers to recognize that conversion involves abandoning old allegiances and embracing a new identity in Christ. His immediate abandonment of his wealth and position illustrates the priority that should characterize the Christian life. Furthermore, Matthew's Gospel continues to serve as a primary tool for understanding Christ's person and work, reminding believers to study Scripture carefully to deepen their faith and knowledge of Jesus as King, Messiah, and Savior.