Concept

Matthew

मत्ती·Matthi

Name meaning: given; a reward (Hitchcock)

Gift of God, a common Jewish name after the Exile. He was the son of Alphaeus, and was a publican or tax-gatherer at Capernaum. On one occasion Jesus, coming up from the side of the lake, passed the custom-house where Matthew was seated, and said to him, “Follow me.” Matthew arose and followed him, and became his disciple (Matt. 9:9). Formerly the name by which he was known was Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27); he now changed it, possibly in grateful memory of his call, to Matthew. The same day on which Jesus called him he made a “great feast” (Luke 5:29), a farewell feast, to which he invited Jesus and his disciples, and probably also many of old associates. He was afterwards selected as one of the twelve (6:15). His name does not occur again in the Gospel history except in the lists of the apostles. The last notice of him is in Acts 1:13. The time and manner of his death are unknown.

Source:Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)Public domain

Original language

Key verses

Also in Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)

(gift of Jehovah). (A contraction, as is also Matthias, of Mattathias. His original name was Levi, and his name Matthew was probably adopted as his new apostolic name was a Jew. His father’s name was Alphaeus. His home was at Capernaum His business was the collection of dues and customs from persons and goods crossing the Sea of Galilee, or passing along the great Damascus road which ran along the shore between Bethsaida, Julius and Capernaum. Christ called him from this work to he his disciple. He appears to have been a man of wealth, for he made a great feast in his own house, perhaps in order to introduce his former companions and friends to Jesus. His business would tend to give him a knowledge of human nature, and accurate business habits, and of how to make a way to the hearts of many publicans and sinners not otherwise easily reached. He is mentioned by name, after the resurrection of Christ, only in (Acts 1:15) but he must have lived many years as an apostle, since he was the author of the Gospel of Matthew which was written at least twenty years later. There is reason to believe that he remained for fifteen years at Jerusalem, after which he went as missionary to the Persians, Parthians and Medes. There is a legend that he died a martyr in Ethiopia.—ED.)

Source: Smith’s Bible Dictionary (1863) · Public domain

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In simple words

Matthew was a tax collector called by Jesus to be one of His twelve apostles. He left his lucrative job to follow Jesus and is traditionally believed to have written the Gospel of Matthew, which tells the story of Jesus' life, teachings, and presents Him as the Messiah.

Historical context

The biblical accounts of Matthew's call are found in Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14, and Luke 5:27-28. Prior to his call, he was known as Levi, the son of Alphaeus, working at a tax booth in Capernaum. Jesus' simple command, 'Follow me,' was met with immediate obedience, marking a complete change in his life and vocation. Matthew subsequently hosted a banquet for Jesus and His disciples, which included many tax collectors and 'sinners,' prompting criticism from the Pharisees (Matt 9:10-13). He is consistently listed among the twelve apostles (Matt 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13). Tradition holds that Matthew wrote his Gospel, perhaps originally in Aramaic (or Hebrew), for a Jewish Christian audience, emphasizing Jesus' Jewish heritage and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Cultural context

In ancient Judea, tax collectors (publicans) like Matthew (Levi) were deeply despised and ostracized by their Jewish compatriots. They were seen as traitors, collaborators with the Roman occupying power, and religiously impure, often extorting money from their own people. Association with them rendered one ritually unclean. For Jesus to call a tax collector to be one of His closest disciples was a radical act that challenged social norms and religious conventions. It demonstrated His mission to seek and save the lost and to offer grace to those considered outcasts by society, underscoring Jesus' inclusivity and His challenge to the prevailing societal hierarchy.

Symbolism

Matthew's personal story symbolizes God's radical grace and the transformative power of a call to discipleship, reaching even the most socially despised individuals. His abandonment of a lucrative career for following Christ exemplifies true repentance and wholehearted commitment. The Gospel of Matthew itself is highly symbolic: it serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the expected Messiah, King, and new Moses. Its structure, with five major discourse sections, has been seen by some as paralleling the five books of the Torah, symbolizing Jesus' role as the ultimate interpreter and fulfiller of God's law and covenant.

For today

Matthew's story offers several profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it highlights that God's call to salvation and service is not limited by one's past profession, social status, or perceived sinfulness; no one is beyond the reach of His grace. Secondly, Matthew's immediate and decisive response to Jesus' call challenges believers to radical obedience and a willingness to forsake worldly gains for the sake of the Kingdom. His subsequent hosting of a meal for his former colleagues demonstrates a missionary heart, inviting others to encounter Jesus. Finally, his dedication to recording Jesus' life and teachings through his Gospel underscores the importance of sharing the truth of Christ and upholding the continuity of God's redemptive plan through history.

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