Matthew
“Gift of Jehovah”
Summary
Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, a former tax collector who became an evangelist and is traditionally credited with writing the first Gospel.
☩Name and Identity
The name Matthew (Greek Ματθαῖος) is a contraction of Mattathias, derived from the Hebrew מִתַּתְיָה meaning 'gift of Jehovah.' He is identified with Levi in the Synoptic Gospels, where Mark and Luke use the name Levi when describing his call, while Matthew's Gospel uses the name Matthew. This dual naming follows a pattern seen with other apostles such as Simon Peter and John Mark, possibly indicating a spiritual transformation or new identity upon becoming a disciple. His father was named Alphaeus, though this is likely a different Alphaeus than the father of James the Less, as the two apostles are never identified as brothers in Scripture.
☩Call and Conversion
Matthew's occupation was collecting customs and tolls at Capernaum on the trade route between Damascus and the Mediterranean coast. As a publican (tax collector) serving under Herod Antipas, he belonged to a class despised by his fellow Jews both for their association with the Roman occupation and their reputation for extortion. Despite this social stigma, when Jesus called him with the simple command 'Follow me,' Matthew immediately left his post and became a disciple. Shortly after his call, Matthew hosted a great feast at his house, inviting many of his former associates—publicans and sinners—to meet Jesus. This occasion prompted the Pharisees to criticize Jesus, who responded with the memorable declaration: 'They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners.'
☩Ministry and Later Life
After the resurrection, Matthew is mentioned among the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. According to early tradition preserved by Clement of Alexandria, Matthew remained in Palestine for approximately fifteen years after Christ's ascension, preaching to his fellow Jews before departing for foreign nations. Various traditions suggest he traveled to Ethiopia, Persia, Parthia, or Macedonia, though these accounts are not consistent. Notably, early sources including Heracleon and Clement of Alexandria indicate that Matthew was among those apostles who did not suffer martyrdom, dying instead of natural causes. Later traditions of his martyrdom appear to have developed subsequently.
☩The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew is universally associated with the Gospel bearing his name. According to the testimony of Papias preserved by Eusebius, 'Matthew composed his logia in the Hebrew tongue, and everyone translated as he was able.' This suggests Matthew originally compiled a collection of Jesus' sayings in Hebrew or Aramaic, which was later incorporated into the Greek Gospel. His background as a tax collector would have equipped him with the literacy, administrative skills, and systematic habits necessary for such a work. The Gospel of Matthew, with its emphasis on fulfilled prophecy and its structured presentation of Jesus' teachings, reflects concerns particularly relevant to a Jewish audience.
Related Verses9 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Matthew," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Matthew," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Matthew," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Matthew," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Matthew," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 6.George Morrish, "Matthew," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).