MATTHEW
The Tax Collector Apostle
Physical Description & Origins
Appearance & Background
Matthew (also called Levi) was a Jewish tax collector from Capernaum. As a publican working for the Roman government, he would have been well-dressed in fine clothing, reflecting his wealth and status. Tax collectors were typically educated, able to read, write, and calculate in multiple languages.
Social Standing
Despite his wealth, Matthew was despised by his fellow Jews for collaborating with Rome. He would have had the bearing of a businessman - confident in financial matters but likely carrying the weight of social rejection. His dark hair and beard would have been well-groomed, befitting his professional status.
"As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he rose and followed him." - Matthew 9:9
Historical Context & Transformation
Life Before Christ
Matthew worked as a tax collector in Capernaum around 30 AD, collecting customs duties on goods passing through this busy fishing town. He was wealthy but spiritually empty, ostracized by his own people for serving the Roman occupiers.
The Great Calling
When Jesus called him, Matthew immediately left everything - his lucrative business, his security, his old life. He threw a great feast to introduce Jesus to his tax collector friends, showing his joy and desire to share the Gospel with other outcasts.
"And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them." - Luke 5:29
Personality & Character
Detail-Oriented
Matthew's background in record-keeping and accounting shows in his Gospel's careful organization and attention to numerical details, genealogies, and systematic presentation.
Generous Heart
Despite his past greed, Matthew became generous and hospitable, immediately opening his home for a feast and later dedicating his life to Gospel ministry.
Bridge Builder
Matthew understood both Jewish and Gentile cultures, making him uniquely qualified to present Jesus as the Jewish Messiah to a diverse audience.
Humble Servant
Matthew rarely mentions himself in his Gospel, showing humility and self-effacement, focusing entirely on presenting Jesus as King and Messiah.
Divine Purpose & Mission
Gospel to the Jews
God called Matthew to write the most Jewish of the Gospels, proving to his fellow Jews that Jesus was indeed their long-awaited Messiah. His Gospel contains more Old Testament quotations than any other, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy.
Bridge Between Covenants
Matthew's Gospel serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, beginning with Abraham's genealogy and ending with the Great Commission to all nations, showing God's plan expanding from Israel to the world.
Hope for Outcasts
Matthew's transformation from despised tax collector to beloved apostledemonstrates God's grace to the worst of sinners, offering hope to all who feel rejected or unworthy.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19
Levi (his original name)
c. 5 AD, Capernaum
c. 74 AD, possibly Ethiopia
Tax Collector, Apostle, Evangelist
Jewish, Tribe of Levi
Gospel of Matthew
Presents Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and King, with extensive Old Testament quotations