Who Was Matthew in the Bible?

Matthew was a Jewish tax collector, also called Levi, whom Jesus called to become one of His twelve apostles. After leaving his profession behind, Matthew followed Christ, witnessed His ministry, and later wrote the Gospel of Matthew. His story highlights God’s grace, forgiveness, and power to transform lives.

Matthew Was a Tax Collector

Matthew worked as a tax collector before following Jesus. Tax collectors were often hated because they collected money for the Roman system and were commonly associated with corruption, greed, and betrayal of their own people. In the eyes of many, Matthew would not have seemed like an obvious choice for a disciple.

Jesus Called Matthew to Follow Him

While Matthew was sitting at the receipt of custom, Jesus passed by and called him with two simple words: “Follow me.” Matthew immediately arose and followed Him. This moment shows the authority of Christ’s call and the power of grace to interrupt a person’s old life and lead them into something new.

Matthew Hosted Jesus in His Home

After following Jesus, Matthew hosted a great feast in his house. Many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and His disciples. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with such people, but Jesus used the moment to explain His mission. He did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew Became One of the Twelve Apostles

Matthew was chosen by Jesus to be among the twelve apostles. His past as a tax collector did not disqualify him from serving the Lord. Instead, his life became a testimony that Jesus calls, forgives, changes, and uses people whom others may have written off.

Matthew Witnessed the Ministry of Christ

Matthew traveled with Jesus, heard His teaching, saw His miracles, and witnessed the unfolding of Christ’s earthly ministry. He would have seen the compassion, authority, wisdom, and holiness of Jesus up close. His Gospel reflects a deep concern to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King.

Matthew Wrote the Gospel of Matthew

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Matthew wrote the Gospel that bears his name. His Gospel strongly connects the life of Jesus to the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. Matthew presents Jesus as the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, the promised King, and the Savior of sinners.

Matthew’s Later Ministry

Scripture does not give many details about Matthew’s later years after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Church tradition records that he continued preaching the gospel and serving Christ faithfully. What Scripture makes clear is that Matthew’s life was changed by the call of Jesus and used for the kingdom of God.

Matthew matters because his life reveals the heart of the gospel. Jesus did not call him because he was respected, religiously impressive, or morally admired by society. Jesus called him as a sinner in need of mercy. Matthew’s story shows that the grace of Christ is powerful enough to reach, forgive, and transform.

Matthew also matters because God used him to write one of the four Gospels. Through Matthew’s Gospel, readers see Jesus as the promised Messiah, the King, the Son of David, and the Savior who came to call sinners to repentance. His life reminds us that the people Jesus calls can become instruments for helping others know Him.

Matthew’s story invites us to ask whether we are willing to respond when Jesus calls. Matthew had a profitable occupation, a familiar place, and an established life. Yet when Christ called him, he rose and followed. His obedience challenges us to consider what we may need to leave behind in order to follow Jesus more faithfully.

Matthew also reminds us that our past does not have to control our future. Jesus does not only call people who appear religiously polished. He calls sinners, changes them by grace, and gives them purpose. The same Lord who called Matthew still calls people today to repentance, forgiveness, discipleship, and a transformed life.