In the Bible, Matthew is known as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He left his job as a tax collector to follow Jesus and became one of his closest disciples. Matthew is also traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.
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Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, played a significant role in the Bible. Upon encountering Jesus, he made a life-altering decision to leave his profession as a tax collector and followed Jesus as one of his closest disciples. This transformation is described in the Gospel of Matthew, which is believed to have been authored by him.
Here are some intriguing details about Matthew’s journey:
- A Tax Collector Turned Disciple:
Matthew’s profession as a tax collector was seen as highly lucrative but morally questionable during his time. However, when Jesus called him, Matthew immediately left his occupation behind to pursue a higher purpose. This demonstrates his willingness to surrender material wealth for spiritual growth.
- Welcoming Jesus into His Home:
After accepting Jesus’ invitation, Matthew invited him to his house and hosted a meal where tax collectors and sinners were also present. This event prompted criticism from the religious elites of the time, to which Jesus famously responded, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
- The Authorship of the Gospel of Matthew:
Throughout history, Matthew has been traditionally attributed authorship of the first book in the New Testament’s canon, the Gospel of Matthew. This gospel extensively records the teachings, miracles, and life of Jesus.
- Symbolic Representation: Matthew is symbolically represented by the image of a winged man or an angel, paralleling the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament, which incorporates angelic symbolism. This representation further highlights the importance and depth of Matthew’s role as an apostle.
To capture a different perspective on the significance of Matthew’s choice and the transformative power of faith, let’s consider a quote by the renowned theologian and author, C.S. Lewis:
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
This quote reminds us of the profound impact of Matthew’s decision to follow Jesus, as it led to the foundation of one of the world’s major religions—Christianity. Matthew’s choice perfectly exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the extraordinary potential it holds for individuals.
Below is a table summarizing the key aspects of Matthew’s story:
| Key Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | Tax Collector |
| Calling | Jesus called Matthew to follow him as a disciple |
| Authorship | Matthew is traditionally believed to have written the Gospel of Matthew |
| Symbolic Representation | Winged man or angel |
| Notable Event | Matthew hosting a meal with Jesus and sinners |
In conclusion, Matthew’s journey as a tax collector turned disciple showcases the transformative power of faith. Accompanied by the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew, his story continues to inspire individuals around the world. As C.S. Lewis eloquently reminds us, the importance of his decision cannot be underestimated, as it has shaped the course of human history.
Video answer to your question
Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples and the writer of one of the Gospels, was likely one of the few disciples who could read and write. As a tax collector, he needed these skills to keep records and communicate in various languages. The video also discusses Matthew’s sacrifice in leaving his tax booth to follow Jesus, highlighting the financial implications of his profession and the tension it may have caused among the disciples. Matthew’s strained relationship with his family is explored, emphasizing the need for reconciliation. Despite his past, Matthew’s gospel is the most Jewish-oriented, showing his commitment to spreading the good news. The video ends with a call to share the gospel and be part of God’s mission.
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Scriptural. Matthew (Levi) : Martyred about 60 AD by being staked and speared to the ground. Preached the Gospel in Ethiopia (Africa) and was killed for questioning the morals of the king.
While Matthew is honored as a martyr, no one knows for sure where or how he died. The gospels and Acts do not tell us what happened to Matthew, but we can assume that he persevered to the end, otherwise his gospel account would have been suspect. There are legends about his ministry, but no substantial records of his role in the early church. The earliest reports say that Matthew continued his ministry in Ethiopia where he eventually met his end.
While Matthew is honored as a martyr, no one knows for sure where or how he died. Various accounts say he was beheaded, stoned, burned, or stabbed—one even suggests he died of natural causes like John. There are legends about his ministry, but no substantial records of his role in the early church.
What Happened to Matthew? The gospels and Acts do not tell us what happened to Matthew. We can assume that he persevered to the end, otherwise his gospel account would have been suspect. But how did he die? Where did he continue to minister? The earliest reports say that Matthew continued his ministry in Ethiopia where he eventually met his end.
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What happened to Matthew after Jesus was crucified?
After Jesus’ crucifixion and ascension, Matthew and the other disciples continued Jesus’ ministry. Some extra-biblical traditions teach that Matthew traveled throughout Syrian and Ethiopia before eventually being martyred in Ethiopia.
Why was Matthew martyred?
Response will be: Ancient sources report that Matthew died by the sword in Ethiopia while celebrating Mass, martyred at the direction of a king whom Matthew had rebuked for lusting after a nun.
What did Jesus do when he saw Matthew?
The apostle records his own conversion in his Gospel: "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" (Matt. 9:9). Consideration of this verse makes clear the basic teaching of irresistible grace.
What happens at the end of Matthew?
Answer: Matthew’s gospel closes with accounts of Jesus’ resurrection and his appearance to the disciples.
Who was the Apostle Matthew?
The response is: The Apostle Matthew, also known as Saint Matthew and Levi, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, he was a tax collector (or “publican”)—one of the most reviled professions in ancient Judaism. Little is known about this apostle.
Why did Matthew follow Jesus?
In the story in the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew was working as a tax collector at a tax booth when he met Jesus. The gospel explains that Jesus simply said, ”Follow me,” and Matthew immediately decided to follow him and be a disciple. Why is Matthew called Levi? The names ”Matthew” and ”Levi” are never explicitly connected.
Did St Matthew die?
As an answer to this: Ancient sources disagree about the details of St. Matthew’s death. St. Matthew the Apostle is best known as the traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew, as well as for being the tax collector Jesus calls to be his disciple. However, little is known definitively about St. Matthew and his travels after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven.
How did Matthew change his life?
Answer will be: Matthew displayed one of the most radically changed lives in the Bible in response to an invitation from Jesus. He did not hesitate; he did not look back. He left behind a life of wealth and security for poverty and uncertainty. He abandoned the pleasures of this world for the promise of eternal life . The remainder of Matthew’s life is uncertain.