Who Was The Tax Collector Disciple? Unpacking the Story of Matthew

The tax collector disciple being referred to is Matthew, also known as Levi, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. His story is a fascinating glimpse into Jesus’ radical inclusiveness and transformative power. Matthew’s background as a tax collector, a profession often despised and considered deeply sinful in first-century Judea, makes his calling to apostleship particularly noteworthy. This article delves into Matthew’s life, his role as a disciple, and the enduring significance of his story, alongside answers to frequently asked questions on the topic.

Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle

The Social Stigma of a Tax Collector

To understand the impact of Matthew’s calling, it’s crucial to grasp the societal context of his profession. Tax collectors in Judea were almost universally reviled. Employed by the Roman Empire, they were essentially contractors who were permitted to collect taxes. They often extorted more than was required, enriching themselves at the expense of their fellow Jews. This led to accusations of corruption, collaboration with the enemy (Rome), and social ostracization. They were, in essence, seen as traitors and moral outcasts.

The Encounter and Calling

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all mention the story of Jesus calling Matthew (Levi). Mark 2:14 states “As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.” Similarly, Luke 5:27-28 recounts, “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.” Matthew 9:9 simply states, “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”

The accounts are remarkably consistent. Jesus, seemingly unfazed by Matthew’s profession and the likely disdain of those around him, calls him to follow. Matthew’s response is immediate and decisive. He abandons his lucrative, albeit disreputable, career and becomes a disciple. This demonstrates the captivating power of Jesus’ invitation and Matthew’s readiness to embrace a completely new life.

A Feast and Controversy

After Matthew’s conversion, he held a large banquet in his home, inviting fellow tax collectors and “sinners” to meet Jesus. This act ignited controversy among the Pharisees and scribes, who questioned why Jesus would associate with such people. Jesus famously responded, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:31-32). This episode highlights Jesus’ central message of redemption and forgiveness, extending even to those deemed the most unworthy by society.

Matthew’s Contributions

Authorship of the Gospel of Matthew

Tradition holds that Matthew is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. While modern scholarship debates the exact authorship, the Gospel itself is attributed to him. It is considered one of the most important books in the New Testament, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah, the King of the Jews. The Gospel of Matthew is meticulously structured, incorporating numerous Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate how Jesus fulfills them.

Witness and Apostle

Beyond writing the Gospel, Matthew played a crucial role as a witness to Jesus’ ministry, teachings, death, and resurrection. As one of the twelve apostles, he was entrusted with spreading the Gospel message and establishing the early Church. While specific details about his later life and missionary work are scarce, tradition suggests he preached in various regions, possibly including Judea, Persia, and Ethiopia.

Why Matthew’s Story Matters

Matthew’s story is more than just a historical anecdote. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. His transformation from a despised tax collector to a devoted disciple underscores the radical inclusivity of Jesus’ message. It challenges us to reconsider our own judgments and prejudices, and to see the potential for transformation in everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. The call of Matthew shows us the boundless grace of Jesus and the invitation to all to follow Him.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Matthew

1. Was Matthew’s Name Originally Levi?

Yes, it is believed that Matthew was also known as Levi. Some scholars suggest Levi was his original name, while Matthew was a name he received after becoming a disciple. The Gospel of Mark and Luke refer to him as Levi, while the Gospel of Matthew refers to him as Matthew.

2. Why Did Jesus Choose a Tax Collector?

Jesus chose Matthew to demonstrate his unconditional love and the transformative power of faith. His purpose was to show that salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their past sins or social standing. It also challenged the societal norms and prejudices of the time.

3. What Does the Name “Matthew” Mean?

The name “Matthew” is of Hebrew origin and means “gift of God“. This meaning adds another layer of significance to his story, highlighting the fact that his calling to apostleship was a divine gift.

4. How Did Tax Collectors Become Wealthy?

Tax collectors often became wealthy through extortion and corruption. They were allowed to collect taxes for the Roman Empire but were given leeway in how much they could collect. They would frequently demand more than what was owed, pocketing the difference.

5. What is the Main Theme of the Gospel of Matthew?

The main theme of the Gospel of Matthew is the presentation of Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of the Jews. It emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’ authority as the Son of God.

6. Are there any contradictions in the Gospels about Matthew’s calling?

There are no significant contradictions regarding the core narrative of Matthew’s calling. While the details vary slightly in each Gospel account (Matthew, Mark, Luke), they all agree on the key points: Jesus calls Matthew (Levi), a tax collector, to follow him, and Matthew immediately responds.

7. What happened to Matthew after the New Testament narratives?

The Bible does not provide specific details about Matthew’s life after the events recorded in the New Testament. Tradition suggests that he preached the Gospel in various regions, possibly including Judea, Persia, and Ethiopia. However, concrete historical evidence is limited.

8. What is Matthew’s symbol as an apostle?

Traditionally, Matthew’s symbol as an apostle is a winged man (or angel). This symbol is often linked to the emphasis on Jesus’ humanity in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel’s focus on the human ancestry of Jesus.

9. How does Matthew’s story relate to the concept of grace?

Matthew’s story is a powerful illustration of God’s grace. Despite his undesirable profession and the negative perceptions associated with it, Jesus offered him forgiveness and a new purpose. This highlights the idea that grace is freely given and available to all, regardless of their past.

10. How should modern Christians interpret the story of Matthew?

Modern Christians can interpret Matthew’s story as an encouragement to extend compassion and acceptance to those who are marginalized or considered “sinners” by society. It also reminds us that everyone has the potential for transformation and that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.

11. Does the Gospel of Matthew have any unique features compared to other Gospels?

Yes, the Gospel of Matthew has several unique features. These include a strong emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, a structured presentation of Jesus’ teachings, a focus on the Kingdom of Heaven, and the inclusion of unique parables and teachings not found in the other Gospels. It is also widely considered to be structured to be easier to memorize, and some theorize it was designed in a way to be used for teaching disciples.

12. Where can I read more about Matthew in the Bible?

You can read about Matthew in the Gospels of Matthew (especially chapters 9 and 10), Mark (2:13-17), and Luke (5:27-32). These passages recount his calling by Jesus and his subsequent role as a disciple. The entire Gospel of Matthew offers further insight into his ministry and perspective.