Matthew (Levi): Former Tax Collector

Matthew, also known as Levi, is a prominent figure in the New Testament. Here are some quick facts about him:

1. Occupation Before Apostleship: Initially worked as a tax collector, a position often viewed negatively due to its associations with corruption and collaboration with the Roman occupiers.
2. Calling: Called by Jesus to follow Him while sitting at the tax collector’s booth, as described in the Gospel of Matthew.
3. Gospel Authorship: Traditionally attributed with writing the Gospel of Matthew, which presents a detailed account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
4. Role in the Gospels: Known for his immediate response to Jesus’ call, leaving his tax booth to become a disciple.
5. Symbolic Representation: Often symbolized by a winged man or angel in Christian art, representing his Gospel’s emphasis on Christ’s humanity.
6. Patronage: Considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, tax collectors, and the customs service.
7. Feast Day: His feast day is celebrated on September 21 in the Western Church and November 16 in the Eastern Church.

Matthew, also known by his Hebrew name Levi, is one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and is traditionally credited as the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. His transformation from a tax collector to a follower of Christ offers a profound example of personal redemption and highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’s ministry.

Background and Early Life

Before his calling, Matthew worked as a tax collector in Capernaum, a role that was generally despised in Jewish society at the time. Tax collectors were often viewed as traitors and sinners due to their cooperation with the Roman authorities and their frequent exploitation of their fellow Jews. This background makes Matthew’s calling and transformation particularly significant, illustrating Jesus’s willingness to embrace those marginalized and despised by mainstream society.

Calling by Jesus

Matthew’s calling is memorably depicted in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9), where Jesus simply says to him, “Follow me.” This moment is pivotal; Matthew is shown to respond immediately, leaving behind his tax booth and his previous life. This act of immediate obedience underscores the transformative power of Jesus’s call.

Contributions to the Gospel

As the traditional author of the first Gospel, Matthew provides a unique perspective that bridges Jewish and Christian traditions. His Gospel is particularly noted for its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, which suggests a targeted audience of Jewish Christians. Matthew meticulously organizes Jesus’s teachings into five major discourses, including the Sermon on the Mount, which reflects a structured and thematic approach to gospel writing.

Themes and Theology

Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes themes such as Jesus as the Messiah, the kingdom of heaven, and righteousness. He portrays Jesus as a teacher and a prophet, echoing Moses’s role but surpassing it in significance. His account also highlights the universality of Jesus’s message, showing that the Gospel is open to all, including Gentiles and sinners, as reflected in his own inclusion among the apostles.

Legacy and Veneration

Matthew’s legacy is considerable. He is venerated as a saint in both the Western and Eastern Christian traditions, with his feast day celebrated on September 21 in the West and November 16 in the East. He is considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, tax collectors, and the customs service, reflecting his life before his conversion.

Conclusion

Matthew’s story is emblematic of the broader themes of conversion, discipleship, and evangelism that permeate the New Testament. His life, from a tax collector to an apostle and evangelist, not only demonstrates the transformative impact of Jesus’s ministry but also serves as an enduring example of divine grace and redemption. His Gospel continues to be a foundational text for understanding Jesus’s life and teachings, emphasizing the continuity and fulfillment of the Jewish prophecy through Christ’s mission.