Let’s explore everything the Bible reveals about Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Here is a comprehensive overview of Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, based on the Bible and supported by historical context:
Matthew’s Identity and Background
Matthew is also called Levi in the Gospels of Mark and Luke (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–29). He was a tax collector (publican) by profession, working in Capernaum. Tax collectors were generally despised by Jews because they worked for the Roman authorities and were often associated with greed and corruption.
“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9).
His Calling by Jesus
Matthew’s calling is significant because Jesus chose someone considered an outcast and sinner by society. Matthew immediately left his lucrative and socially stigmatized job to follow Jesus, demonstrating faith and obedience.
“After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:27–28).
Matthew’s Response: Hosting a Banquet
After his calling, Matthew hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house, inviting many tax collectors and sinners. This act showed his desire to introduce others to Jesus and reflected the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry.
“Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.” (Luke 5:29).
The Pharisees criticized Jesus for associating with tax collectors and sinners, to which Jesus replied:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31–32).
Matthew as an Apostle
Matthew is listed among the twelve apostles in all four lists in the New Testament (Matthew 10:2–4; Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:14–16; Acts 1:13). As an apostle, he was a close companion of Jesus, witnessing His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.
Author of the Gospel of Matthew
Early church tradition attributes the first Gospel in the New Testament to Matthew. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. Matthew’s background as a tax collector may have contributed to his attention to detail and record-keeping.
Matthew’s Legacy and Ministry
The Bible does not record Matthew’s activities after Pentecost, but early church tradition suggests he preached the gospel in various regions, possibly including Ethiopia or Persia. However, these details are not found in Scripture.
Key Lessons from Matthew’s Life
God’s Grace: Matthew’s calling shows that Jesus welcomes all, regardless of their past.
Immediate Obedience: Matthew left everything to follow Jesus, modeling true discipleship.
Evangelistic Zeal: He invited others to meet Jesus, showing the importance of sharing the gospel.
| Aspect | Details & References |
|---|---|
| Name | Matthew (also called Levi) |
| Occupation | Tax collector (Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:27) |
| Calling | Called by Jesus to be a disciple (Matthew 9:9) |
| Response | Left everything, hosted a banquet (Luke 5:28–29) |
| Role | One of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2–4) |
| Gospel Authorship | Traditionally author of the Gospel of Matthew |
| Legacy | Early church tradition: missionary work |
What was Matthew’s Gospel
Thank you for your question. The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the four Gospels that tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Let’s look at what makes Matthew’s Gospel unique and important, using Scripture and historical context.
Who Wrote Matthew’s Gospel?
Matthew, also called Levi, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and a former tax collector (Matthew 9:9). According to the doctrine of inspiration:
“Prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21).
Matthew wrote his Gospel as an eyewitness, guided by the Holy Spirit, so that what he recorded was exactly what God intended (see also (John 14:26).
Purpose and Audience
Matthew’s Gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience. He wanted to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah—the King foretold in the Old Testament. As GotQuestions.org explains:
“The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for the Jews and emphasized how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of a kingly Messiah.
This is why Matthew often quotes the Old Testament, showing how Jesus fulfills prophecy.
Key Themes and Structure
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy:
Matthew repeatedly says, “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…” see (Matthew 1:22, 2:15, 2:17, etc.). For example:
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:22–23).
Jesus as King and Messiah:
Matthew traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1–17), emphasizing His royal lineage.
The Kingdom of Heaven:
Matthew uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven” more than any other Gospel, highlighting Jesus’ teaching about God’s rule and reign.
Jesus’ Teachings:
Matthew records large blocks of Jesus’ teaching, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), the Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13), and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25).
Distinctive Features
Old Testament Quotations: Matthew quotes the Old Testament over 60 times, more than any other Gospel writer.
Emphasis on Jesus’ Authority: Matthew shows Jesus’ authority in teaching, healing, and forgiving sins (see (Matthew 7:28–29, 9:6).
The Great Commission: Matthew ends with Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations:
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Summary Table
| Feature | Matthew’s Gospel |
|---|---|
| Author | Matthew (Levi), apostle and eyewitness |
| Audience | Primarily Jewish |
| Main Theme | Jesus as Messiah and King |
| Key Emphasis | Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy |
| Unique Content | Sermon on the Mount, Parables, Great Commission |
Why Is Matthew’s Gospel Important?
Matthew’s Gospel helps us see how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the Savior for all people. It bridges the Old and New Testaments and calls us to follow Jesus as King and Lord.
In Conclusion
Matthew’s life is a powerful testimony of God’s grace, the transforming call of Jesus, and the importance of sharing the good news with others. His Gospel continues to teach and inspire Christians around the world.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10).
