Matthew

Matthew is one of the 12 disciples of Jesus.

Name: Matthew

Aramaic Name: מתתיהו (matityahu)

Greek Name: Ματταίoς (matthias)

English Translation: Gift of YHWH

Related to: Son of Alphaeus

Profession: Tax Collector

Both Mark and Luke tell the call story of Levi, the tax collector in an almost identical way to the call story of Matthew in Matthew. It it likely that these are the same person.

Jesus equates tax collectors with sinners and is even asked why he associates with people like Levi. Calling Levi to follow demonstrates that salvation is accessible to all.

Matthew's Call Story

Matthew 9:9

Matt. 9:9   As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

Luke 5:27-31

27   After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And he got up, left everything, and followed him.

29   Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table with them. 30 The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus answered, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32 I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.”