Matthew (Levi)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Matthew (Greek Matthaios, from Hebrew Mattityahu), “gift of YHWH,” a theophoric name indicating divine giving.
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Roman Imperial Context).
• Main References: Matthew 9:9–13; 10:1–4; Mark 2:13–17; Luke 5:27–32; 6:13–16; Acts 1:12–13.
• Key Connections: Jesus of Nazareth; the Twelve apostles; association with Mark’s “Levi son of Alphaeus” (Mark 2:14); fellow tax collectors and “sinners” in Jesus’ ministry context.

Who was Matthew (Levi)?

Matthew, also identified as Levi, is presented in the Gospels as a tax collector called directly by Jesus.
He is listed among the Twelve apostles in all three Synoptic lists (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15).
His occupation placed him within the Roman revenue system and carried social stigma in Jewish society.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Called by Jesus from his tax booth and became a disciple (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28).
• Event 2: Hosted a meal where Jesus ate with tax collectors, prompting debate about purity and repentance (Matthew 9:10–13).
• Event 3: Included with the apostles after Jesus’ ascension among those awaiting the Spirit (Acts 1:12–13).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Matthew’s call illustrates Jesus’ formation of disciples from socially marginalized roles for participation in apostolic mission.

Key Verse

"And 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." — Matthew 9:9, ESV