Ref: Mt 9:9-13, 10:3, Mk 2:14-17, 3:18, Lk 5:27-32, 6:15, Acts 1:13
Matthew (also Levi) was the son of Alphaeus and a tax collector in Capernaum. The calling of Levi the tax collector is given in both Mark and Luke, however in the identical account in Matthew, it is ‘Matthew the tax collector’ (Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27). This is seen as a self-identification of the author. This is further confirmed when in Matthew’s own gospel, the Matthew listed as one of the twelve, is uniquely identified as ‘the tax collector’ (Matthew 10:3). Apart from his calling Matthew is only mentioned in the lists of the 12. Therefore what we know about Matthew comes directly from his call and indirectly from his gospel.
As a tax collector Matthew would have been very wealthy but not much liked. Since they collected money for Rome, the Jews viewed tax collectors as betraying their own nation. Moreover they were known for extortion, as they could set their own rate and effectively determine their own wages. Being stationed at Capernaum, the taxes that Matthew would be responsible for were levies and tolls. Capernaum sat near the border of the territories of Herod Antipas and Philip and was also on the main route from Syria. With all the trade passing by this was a very lucrative position for Matthew to hold.
Living in and around Capernaum Matthew would have heard about Jesus and all the miracles he performed. He may have even heard his teachings in the synagogue or elsewhere. One day as Jesus passed by, he saw Matthew at the tax collectors booth and called him to follow. Matthew’s response was to leave all, rise up and follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27-28). Whereas the other disciples such as the fishermen could return to their trade if things didn’t work out, by Matthew leaving his employment there was no return. This highlights both the level of commitment that Matthew was willing to make as well as the joy he had in following Jesus. Following this Matthew threw Jesus and his disciples a great feast, in his own house and at his own expense. He also invited many of his friends who are identified as tax collectors and sinners. From this we see Matthew’s desire for those in his world to encounter Jesus as he had done (Matthew 9:10-13, Mark 2:15-17, Luke 5:29-32).
From this point he accompanied Jesus on the road and throughout the rest of his ministry. Matthew like all the apostles, was a witness to the resurrection and involved in the early Church in Jerusalem. However other than this we hear no more of him and what he went on to do. What we do know is Matthew would later write the first gospel which bears his own name. It is in this gospel that we can gain some insight to his views and character. In his own gospel we see that Matthew views Jesus as the Messiah, the rightful King of Israel and the one who came to fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures. We also see a humility as Matthew almost anonymises himself within his own eye witness testimony. Even when recording his own calling, Matthew gives the shortest account of the three gospels and minimises his role.
Matthew was judged by society but chosen by God. He therefore becomes an example of the radical transformation of encountering Jesus. Matthew left everything to follow Jesus and rejoiced to be chosen by him. He left a successful job to answer the call of Christ. He then spent his life telling his friends and telling the world the good news. Though we know little of him personally, through his gospel countless millions have come to follow Jesus.