Matthew

Matthew, also known as Levi, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

Here's a simple explanation of who Matthew was, according to the Bible, along with references to specific verses.

1. Background and Early Life

Matthew was originally named Levi.

He was a tax collector by profession before he followed Jesus.

Tax collectors were often viewed negatively by the Jewish community because they worked for the Roman Empire and were frequently associated with corruption and exploitation (Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27-28).

2. Call to Discipleship

Matthew’s call to follow Jesus is a significant event in the Gospels.

Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth and said to him, "Follow me." Matthew got up, left everything behind, and followed Jesus.

This decision marked a complete transformation in his life, demonstrating Jesus' acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their social standing or past actions (Matthew 9:9).

3. Ministry

As one of the twelve apostles, Matthew was closely involved in Jesus' ministry. He traveled with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and was a part of many significant events described in the Gospels.

After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, Matthew, like the other apostles, played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Jesus and establishing the early Christian church.

4. The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is attributed to him. It is particularly noted for its detailed account of Jesus' teachings and its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Matthew's Gospel is especially important for its Sermon on the Mount, which includes the Beatitudes, and its 3. Resources/concepts/focus on ethical teachings (Matthew 5-7).

5. Themes and Audience

Matthew's Gospel is characterized by its Jewish perspective, aiming to prove to Jewish readers that Jesus was the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.

It contains more quotations from and allusions to the Old Testament than any other New Testament book.

Matthew portrays Jesus as the new Moses and emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus’ authoritative interpretation of Mosaic Law.

6. Legacy and Death

Tradition holds that Matthew preached among the Jewish community for several years after the Ascension of Jesus.

There are various accounts of his later life and death, suggesting he might have died a martyr’s death, although these details are not confirmed by historical evidence.

References:

Matthew's story and his Gospel are significant in Christian theology for their emphasis on Jesus as the Messiah and the ethical teachings of Christianity.

His life demonstrates a profound change from a tax collector to a devoted apostle, highlighting the transformative power of faith and following Jesus.