Matthew The Apostle: Unpacking His Life, Gospel, And Lasting Joy

Curt Torp 22 Jun 2025

In the annals of Christian history, few figures loom as large yet remain as enigmatic as Matthew the Apostle. His story is one of profound transformation, a journey from a despised tax collector to one of Jesus' most influential disciples and the author of the first book of the New Testament. His gospel provides a unique lens through which to understand the life and teachings of Jesus, offering insights that have shaped Christian theology for millennia.

Delving into the life of Matthew the Apostle allows us to appreciate not only his personal faith journey but also the enduring legacy of his written work. His narrative, meticulously crafted to appeal to a Jewish audience, bridges the Old and New Testaments, revealing the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in the person of Jesus the Messiah. This exploration aims to shed light on his pivotal role, the profound impact of his gospel, and the spiritual joy that can be found in understanding his enduring message.

Table of Contents:

The Unlikely Calling of Matthew the Apostle
Biography of Matthew: From Levi to Evangelist
- Early Life and Profession
- The Transformative Encounter
The Gospel of Matthew: A Jewish Perspective on the Messiah
Matthew's Gospel: An Inspired and Accurate Account
The Church of Matthew: Evolution and Inclusivity
Scholarly Insights and Enduring Questions
- Authorship Debates
- The Legendary Death and Legacy
The Enduring Message and Matthew's Joy
Applying Matthew's Wisdom in Our Lives Today

The Unlikely Calling of Matthew the Apostle

The story of Matthew the Apostle begins with an encounter that defied social norms and expectations. Before his call to discipleship, Matthew was known as Levi, a tax collector (or "publican")—one of the most reviled professions in ancient Judaism. Tax collectors were seen as traitors, collaborators with the Roman occupying forces, and often extorted money from their own people, enriching themselves in the process. This profession placed them at the very bottom of the social ladder, ostracized by their communities and considered ritually unclean.

It is against this backdrop that Jesus’s call to Matthew becomes all the more striking. As recorded in Matthew 9:9, Jesus simply told him, “Follow me.” And Matthew, astonishingly, "got up and" followed him. This immediate and unconditional response speaks volumes about the transformative power of Jesus's presence and message. For Matthew the Apostle, this was not merely a change of profession but a radical reorientation of his entire life, moving from a life of perceived greed and social isolation to one of purpose and intimate fellowship with the Son of God. His willingness to abandon everything for Jesus highlighted the core message of the Gospel: God's grace extends to all, regardless of their past. This pivotal moment underscores Jesus's mission to seek and save the lost, embracing those whom society had cast aside.

Biography of Matthew: From Levi to Evangelist

While specific details about the early life of Matthew the Apostle are scarce, the biblical narrative provides enough information to paint a picture of a man whose life was dramatically altered by an encounter with the divine. Understanding his background helps us appreciate the profound impact of his conversion and his subsequent dedication to spreading the message of Christ.

Early Life and Profession

Matthew, also known as Levi, the son of Alphaeus, was a Jew by birth. His profession as a tax collector for the Roman government in Capernaum meant he was responsible for collecting tolls and taxes from merchants and travelers. This role, while financially lucrative, came at a significant social cost. Tax collectors were viewed with contempt by their fellow Jews, not only because they worked for the oppressive Roman regime but also because they often overcharged people, pocketing the excess. This made them symbols of corruption and betrayal, placing them outside the religious and social circles of respectable Jewish society. Matthew’s willingness to embrace this profession suggests a pragmatic, perhaps even cynical, outlook on life before his encounter with Jesus.

The Transformative Encounter

The turning point in Matthew's life was undeniably his meeting with Jesus. As recounted in his own Gospel (Matthew 9:9), Jesus saw him sitting at the tax collector's booth and simply commanded, “Follow me.” This direct and personal invitation, extended to someone so deeply entrenched in a reviled profession, was revolutionary. Matthew's immediate response—getting up and following Jesus—demonstrates a profound readiness for change. He left behind his lucrative business, his social standing (however low it was perceived by others), and his former way of life to become a disciple.

Following his call, Matthew hosted a feast for Jesus at his house, inviting many of his fellow tax collectors and "sinners" to join them. This act further highlighted Jesus's inclusive ministry and drew criticism from the Pharisees, who questioned why Jesus ate with such people. Jesus's response, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners," encapsulates the essence of Matthew's transformation and the core message of the gospel. Matthew the Apostle became a living testament to God's boundless grace and the transformative power of repentance and faith.

Key Facts About Matthew the Apostle
Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Matthew (also known as Levi)
Profession Before Call	Tax Collector (Publican)
Key Role	One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus
Known For	Author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Evangelists
Gospel Authorship	The first book of the New Testament, the fortieth book of the Bible
Main Purpose of Gospel	To prove to Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah by showing how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament scriptures.
Genealogy Start	Abraham (Matthew 1:1)
Traditional Death	Martyred, possibly in Ethiopia or Persia, though details vary.

The Gospel of Matthew: A Jewish Perspective on the Messiah

Matthew the Apostle’s primary contribution to Christian tradition is undoubtedly the Gospel that bears his name. This foundational text, the first book of the New Testament and the fortieth book of the Bible, holds a unique position due to its specific focus and audience. Matthew's main purpose is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. He accomplishes this primarily by showing how Jesus, in his life and ministry, fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures. This emphasis on fulfillment is a recurring motif throughout the Gospel, with Matthew frequently citing prophecies and demonstrating their culmination in Jesus.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for Jesus's messianic lineage, according to Matthew, is his genealogy. Matthew starts his genealogy with Abraham (Matthew 1:1), tracing the lineage through David, emphasizing Jesus's royal heritage and connection to the covenant promises made to Israel. The genealogy culminates with "Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ" (Matthew 1:16). This meticulous detailing of ancestry serves to firmly establish Jesus's identity within the historical and prophetic framework familiar to Jewish readers. Furthermore, Matthew presents the name of Jesus and its meaning in a way that assumes the reader knows its Hebrew roots (Matthew 1:21), highlighting Jesus's role as the one who "will save his people from their sins." This deeply rooted Jewish perspective makes Matthew’s Gospel an indispensable bridge between the Old and New Covenants, illustrating God’s consistent plan of salvation.

Matthew's Gospel: An Inspired and Accurate Account

The Gospel of Matthew, along with the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John, forms the inspired and thus accurate and true history of the life of Jesus. These four accounts provide a multifaceted portrait of Christ, each offering unique perspectives while consistently affirming the core truths of his ministry, death, and resurrection. Matthew's contribution is particularly significant for its structured presentation of Jesus's teachings, often grouped into distinct discourses such as the Sermon on the Mount. This organizational clarity makes his Gospel an invaluable resource for understanding Christian ethics and discipleship.

The term "inspired" here is crucial, signifying that the text is divinely breathed, ensuring its truthfulness and reliability. This means that Matthew's account, despite being written by a human author, conveys God's message accurately and without error. For centuries, believers have turned to Matthew's Gospel for an authentic historical record of Jesus's earthly ministry, his miracles, parables, and his ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a foundational text for understanding who Jesus was, what he taught, and what he accomplished, providing a trustworthy basis for faith and practice. The depth of detail regarding Jesus's fulfillment of prophecy and his role as the King of Israel underscores the Gospel's authoritative nature, making it a cornerstone of Christian belief and a guide for living a life of faith.

The Church of Matthew: Evolution and Inclusivity

The community for which Matthew's Gospel was written, often referred to as "the Church of Matthew," provides fascinating insights into the early Christian movement. Originally, this community was strongly Jewish Christian, reflecting Matthew's own background and his Gospel's emphasis on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah who fulfilled the Old Testament Law. This early church likely consisted of Jewish believers who continued to observe many Jewish customs while embracing Jesus as their Lord.

However, as the early church expanded, the composition of Matthew's community evolved. It had become one in which Gentile Christians were predominant. This shift is reflected in the Gospel's subtle yet significant ways, such as the inclusion of the Magi (Gentiles) worshiping the infant Jesus, and Jesus's later commission to "make disciples of all nations." This inclusivity was a radical concept in the ancient world, challenging the prevailing ethnic and religious boundaries. Matthew's Gospel, therefore, addresses the question of how obedience to the will of God transcends cultural and ethnic lines. It grapples with the tension between continuity with Jewish tradition and the new, expansive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, ultimately affirming that God's salvation is for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. This adaptability and universal scope of the message demonstrate the dynamic growth of the early church and Matthew's pivotal role in articulating its evolving identity.

Scholarly Insights and Enduring Questions

Despite his profound influence, Matthew the Apostle remains a figure about whom "little is known" beyond his initial calling and the authorship of his Gospel. This scarcity of direct biographical detail has led to ongoing scholarly discussions and intriguing questions regarding his life, his writing process, and his ultimate fate. Modern scholars, while largely affirming the traditional attribution of the Gospel to Matthew, continue to explore the nuances of its composition and the historical context of its author.

Authorship Debates

The question of "who Matthew in the Bible really was (apostle, disciple, or both)" and what modern scholars say about the authorship of his Gospel is a topic of continuous academic inquiry. Traditionally, the Gospel is attributed to Matthew, the tax collector and apostle, based on both internal evidence (such as the detailed knowledge of Jewish customs and the Law) and early Church traditions. Church Fathers like Papias and Irenaeus explicitly state that Matthew wrote his Gospel in Hebrew or Aramaic, which was later translated into Greek.

However, some modern scholars propose alternative theories, such as the possibility that the Gospel was written by a different early Christian who compiled Matthew's teachings, or that it was a product of a Matthean community. Despite these debates, the overwhelming consensus, particularly among evangelical scholars, maintains that the disciple Matthew is indeed the author. The depth of theological insight and the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy within the Gospel point to an author deeply steeped in Jewish scripture and intimately familiar with Jesus's ministry, consistent with the profile of Matthew the Apostle.

The Legendary Death and Legacy

"Little is known about this apostle" after the events recorded in the Gospels and the early chapters of Acts. Christian traditions offer various accounts of Matthew's later life and legendary death, though these are not found in canonical scripture and vary widely. Some traditions suggest he preached in Judea for many years, while others claim he traveled to Ethiopia, Persia, or Parthia, where he eventually suffered martyrdom. One common tradition states that he was killed by a sword or axe while ministering to the people.

Regardless of the precise details of his death, Matthew's enduring legacy is undeniably tied to his Gospel. This influential yet somewhat obscure figure left behind a written record that has shaped Christian thought, worship, and mission for two millennia. His meticulous account of Jesus's life, his emphasis on the Kingdom of Heaven, and his detailed presentation of Jesus's teachings continue to inspire and challenge believers worldwide. The Gospel of Matthew stands as a powerful testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to preserving and proclaiming the truth about Jesus the Messiah.

The Enduring Message and "Matthew's Joy"

The true essence of Matthew the Apostle's contribution lies not just in his historical account but in how his Gospel continues to bring the Bible’s ancient message into your world today. His work is a powerful tool for spiritual discovery, helping readers understand the profound joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and living in obedience to God's will. This "Matthew's Joy" isn't about a person named Matthew Joy, but rather the spiritual fulfillment and deep contentment derived from engaging with the profound truths presented in his Gospel.

The NIV Application Bible, for instance, built from the NIV Application Commentary series, is designed precisely to bridge the gap between the ancient text and contemporary life, making Matthew's message accessible and relevant. Through Matthew's Gospel, readers discover the joy of understanding God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the joy of inclusion into God's family (both Jew and Gentile), and the joy of knowing that Jesus is indeed "God with us." His Gospel answers the question of how obedience to the will of God leads to a life of purpose and true blessedness. It highlights the joy of discovering the Kingdom of Heaven, not as a distant future, but as a present reality that transforms lives. This enduring message of hope, fulfillment, and divine presence is the true "Matthew's Joy" that resonates through the ages.

Applying Matthew's Wisdom in Our Lives Today

The wisdom embedded in Matthew the Apostle's Gospel transcends time, offering profound insights that remain deeply relevant for contemporary believers. His emphasis on Jesus's teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, provides a comprehensive framework for Christian discipleship, urging us towards a radical obedience rooted in love and righteousness. Matthew's portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate teacher and the fulfillment of all prophecy encourages us to continually seek understanding of God's Word and to apply its principles to our daily lives.

Furthermore, Matthew's meticulous attention to the genealogy of Jesus, beginning with Abraham and tracing through David, serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness across generations. This historical grounding reinforces the trustworthiness of the biblical narrative and strengthens our faith in Jesus as the true Messiah. For us today, Matthew’s Gospel calls us to embrace an inclusive faith, recognizing that God's kingdom is open to all who respond to Jesus's call, regardless of their past. It challenges us to live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating compassion, seeking justice, and spreading the good news of the Kingdom, just as Matthew himself did after his transformative encounter with Christ. His enduring legacy is a call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, finding true joy in living according to God's will.

Conclusion

Matthew the Apostle, once a reviled tax collector, became a pivotal figure in Christian history, leaving behind a Gospel that continues to shape our understanding of Jesus the Messiah. His transformative encounter with Jesus led him to abandon his old life and dedicate himself to spreading the good news, culminating in the authorship of the first book of the New Testament. Matthew’s Gospel meticulously proves Jesus's messianic identity to a Jewish audience, demonstrating how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and established a new, inclusive covenant accessible to all.

Despite the limited biographical details known about him, Matthew's profound impact through his inspired and accurate account of Jesus's life cannot be overstated. His Gospel's emphasis on obedience to God's will, the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, and the universal call to discipleship continues to resonate with readers today, offering a source of enduring spiritual joy and guidance. We encourage you to delve deeper into the Gospel of Matthew, explore its rich teachings, and discover for yourself the transformative power of its ancient message. Share your reflections in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site that delve into the lives of the apostles and the profound truths of the Bible.

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