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Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector who was invited by Jesus to follow Him. He became one of the twelve apostles and wrote the Book of Matthew. His story teaches us that God calls everyone—regardless of their past—into a new life of purpose.
Before being called by Jesus, Matthew worked as a tax collector in Capernaum, a profession despised by the Jews because it was associated with corruption and collaboration with the Roman Empire.
While Matthew was sitting at his tax booth collecting money, Jesus passed by and said, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, Matthew left everything behind and followed Jesus.
After deciding to follow Him, Matthew hosted a large banquet at his house, where many tax collectors and sinners were present, showing his willingness to share his new life with others. This event sparked criticism from religious leaders, but Jesus responded, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
After becoming an apostle, Matthew accompanied Jesus throughout His ministry, witnessing His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. He is traditionally recognized as the author of the first book of the New Testament, which presents Jesus as the Savior promised in the ancient Scriptures.
Following his call to apostleship, Christian tradition holds that Matthew preached in various regions, including Ethiopia and Persia, until he was martyred for his faith.
Matthew’s life teaches us several important lessons, the first being that Jesus’ invitation is not based on our past or reputation. Even as a tax collector, Matthew was chosen for a great mission. His willingness to leave his old life behind to follow Jesus challenges us to trust God and put Him first.
Moreover, his hospitality and eagerness to share the Gospel show us how we can positively influence others through our faith. Matthew’s transformation is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and love.
Key Events in the Life of the Apostle Matthew
- Jesus' Invitation: Matthew, a tax collector, received Jesus’ call to be His disciple and followed Him without hesitation.
- Banquet at His House: Matthew hosted a dinner for Jesus, inviting other tax collectors and sinners, showing hospitality and a desire to share his faith.
- Criticism from the Pharisees: The Pharisees criticized Jesus’ relationship with Matthew; Christ responded that He came for sinners, not the righteous.
- Followed Jesus’ Ministry: Matthew witnessed miracles, teachings, and the crucial moments of Jesus’ life alongside the other apostles.
- Present at the Last Supper: He was with Jesus when He instituted the Lord’s Supper, marking the new covenant with His disciples.
- Witnessed the Resurrection: Matthew saw the risen Christ and received the command to preach to all nations.
- Author of the Book of Matthew: He wrote the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Preached After Jesus’ Resurrection: According to tradition, Matthew evangelized in various regions, spreading Jesus’ message.
- Faithful Until Death: Matthew was martyred for his faith, remaining steadfast to the end as a follower of Christ.
Bible Study on the Apostle Matthew
Explaining the Book of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew, or the Book of Matthew, was written to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies. The book begins with Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17), connecting Him to David and Abraham, demonstrating that He is the rightful heir to the promises made to Israel. Matthew’s writings aim to show that Jesus is the King who came to establish the Kingdom of God.
One of the central themes of the book is the Kingdom of Heaven. Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is not an earthly kingdom but a spiritual one, present in the hearts of those who follow Him (Matthew 4:17; 5:3). The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) reveal how people should live to be part of this Kingdom, demonstrating humility, mercy, and purity of heart.
Another important point is Matthew’s emphasis on the authority of Jesus. He presents Jesus as both a teacher and a King who exercises authority over the law, nature, and even demons (Matthew 8:26-27).
Matthew concludes his book with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The Book of Matthew teaches us that, as disciples, we are called to follow and share Jesus’ teachings with the whole world.
Matthew’s Profession
Matthew, also known as Levi, was the son of Alphaeus, as mentioned in Mark 2:14, and worked as a tax collector before following Jesus (Matthew 9:9). At that time, this profession was looked down upon, since tax collectors worked for the Roman government, which ruled over the Jews, and were often known to exploit the people for extra profit.
Despite the social rejection, Jesus saw value in Matthew and invited him to follow Him. Matthew immediately accepted, leaving behind his old profession. Shortly after, he hosted a great banquet at his house (Luke 5:29), inviting other tax collectors and outcasts. He wanted to share his new life with everyone.
When the religious leaders criticized Jesus for eating with such people, He responded: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Matthew 9:12).
Matthew gave up everything to follow Jesus, even his career, showing great courage and devotion. Moreover, his story teaches us the importance of sharing our faith with others, even in the face of criticism. Matthew became an example that God can give purpose to anyone, regardless of their past.
Why Matthew Was Called Levi
Matthew was called Levi because this was likely his birth name, as indicated in Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27–29. However, in the book he authored, the name Matthew is used (Matthew 9:9).
Tradition suggests that “Levi” may have been his given name, while “Matthew,” which means “gift of God,” may have been adopted after his transformation upon following Jesus.
Just as Simon became known as Peter, this change of name may reflect his new identity and mission in Christ. It reminds us that God gives us a renewed purpose when He calls us.
How Did Matthew, the Disciple of Jesus, Die?
The Bible does not directly record how Matthew, the disciple of Jesus, died. However, Christian tradition provides some insights. It is believed that Matthew was killed for his faith in Jesus. Some traditions claim he was martyred in Ethiopia while preaching the Gospel, possibly by stoning or beheading. These accounts, however, are not confirmed in the Bible.
Despite the lack of details, Matthew’s testimony—both in his life and in his death—highlights his faithfulness to Jesus until the end. He inspires us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of challenges or persecution (Matthew 5:10–12).
Matthew: The Evangelist Apostle
Matthew’s story is told in the New Testament, in passages such as Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5. After being called, Matthew followed Jesus throughout His ministry, becoming a witness to many pivotal moments.
As an apostle, Matthew saw extraordinary miracles, such as the healing of the sick (Matthew 9:20–22) and the feeding of the multitudes (Matthew 14:13–21). He also heard teachings that transformed lives, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), which revealed deep truths about the Kingdom of God.
Matthew was present at the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted communion with bread and wine, symbolizing His body and blood (Matthew 26:26–28). This moment marked the preparation of the disciples for the events of the crucifixion and resurrection.
After Jesus’ death, Matthew was one of the witnesses of His resurrection and received the direct commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20).
Matthew’s journey with Jesus teaches us about the transforming power of walking closely with Christ. He not only followed but also actively participated in the mission of spreading the Gospel. Just like Matthew, we are called to live with Jesus, learn from Him, and share with others what we have received. His life shows us that being close to Jesus changes our purpose and gives us direction.
The Legacy of the Apostle Matthew
After being transformed by Jesus, Matthew became a faithful follower and an important witness to Christ’s mission. He is traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of Matthew, written to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament Scriptures.
This book emphasizes the connection between fulfilled prophecies and the actions of Jesus, helping the Jewish people recognize Him as the long-awaited Savior (Matthew 1:22–23).
After Jesus’ resurrection, Matthew received the Great Commission to take Christ’s message to all nations. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commanded: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew obeyed and preached in various regions, spreading the message of salvation.
Matthew’s legacy teaches us that everyone has a mission, regardless of their past. He was in a despised profession, but upon following Jesus, he became a messenger of the Gospel. Matthew also shows us that we should be willing to share our faith. His life reminds us that, as followers of Christ, we have a mission to take the message of Jesus to the world.
What We Can Learn from the Story of Matthew
Matthew’s story teaches us that no one is beyond the reach of God. Before being called by Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector—a profession despised by the Jews because it was associated with corruption and collaboration with Roman rule. Even so, Jesus saw in him someone with the potential to fulfill a greater purpose (Matthew 9:9). This shows us that God doesn’t choose us based on our merits, but by His grace and His plan for our lives.
Another important lesson is Matthew’s readiness to respond to Jesus’ call. He immediately left everything behind, giving up his old life to follow Christ. This decision challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to put God first, even when it requires sacrifice.
Matthew also teaches us the importance of sharing our faith. After his conversion, he hosted a banquet and invited tax collectors and sinners to meet Jesus (Luke 5:29). This shows us that, as followers of Christ, we should reach out to others with God’s love.
Matthew’s transformation—from a rejected tax collector to an apostle—reminds us that God can use anyone to accomplish great things.
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