Matthew (Levi)
The Tax Collector ApostleTax collector called from his booth to follow Jesus, who became an apostle and author of the first Gospel
Matthew was a tax collector (publican) in Capernaum, a profession despised by Jews for collaboration with Rome and reputation for corruption. Jesus's call to Matthew demonstrated that no one is beyond redemption. Matthew hosted a feast for Jesus with other tax collectors, showing his immediate desire to introduce others to Christ. As a tax collector, Matthew would have been literate and skilled in record-keeping, preparing him to write his Gospel. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, targeting a Jewish audience.
Original Name
Ματθαῖος (Matthaios) / Λευί (Leui)
Meaning
Matthew: 'Gift of Yahweh'; Levi: 'Joined' or 'Attached'
Etymology
Matthew comes from Hebrew 'Mattityahu' (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), combining 'mattan' (gift) and 'Yah' (YHWH). Levi comes from Hebrew 'lewi' meaning 'joined' or 'attached' - the name of Jacob's third son and the priestly tribe. Matthew may have been his given name or a new name after conversion, similar to Simon becoming Peter.
Linguistic Insights
The dual naming (Matthew/Levi) parallels other apostles with multiple names. Mark and Luke call him 'Levi son of Alphaeus' at his call, while Matthew's own Gospel uses 'Matthew.' The name change may signify spiritual transformation - from 'Joined' (to Rome? to sin?) to 'Gift of God.' As a tax collector (telones), Matthew would have known Greek for dealings with Roman officials and Aramaic for local commerce, making him ideally equipped to write a Gospel. His Gospel contains more Old Testament quotations than any other, using the formula 'this was to fulfill what was spoken' - reflecting his systematic, record-keeping approach.
Translation Notes
- •Called 'Levi' in Mark and Luke at his calling, 'Matthew' in his own Gospel
- •Mattityahu was a common Jewish name meaning 'Gift of Yahweh'
- •Son of Alphaeus - possibly brother of James son of Alphaeus
- •Tax collector (telones) was one of most despised professions
Related Terms
Called by Jesus from tax booth
Matthew 9:9Hosted feast for Jesus with tax collectors
Luke 5:29Named among the Twelve Apostles
Matthew 10:3Present at Pentecost
Acts 1:13Wrote the Gospel of Matthew
Church traditionTradition: Preached in Ethiopia, Persia, and Parthia
Church traditionTradition: Martyred (accounts vary)
Church traditionMatthew 9:9
"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."
Luke 5:29
"Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them."
Mark 2:17
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."