The Gospel of Matthew is one of the most beloved books in the Bible. It is filled with Jesus’ teachings and a powerful message about God’s Kingdom. Matthew himself, the writer of this Gospel, is an intriguing figure with a story worth exploring. Let’s dive into ten fascinating facts about Matthew and his role in the Bible.
1. Matthew Was a Tax Collector
Before following Jesus, Matthew worked as a tax collector, a profession despised by many Jews at the time. Tax collectors were often associated with greed and corruption because they collected taxes on behalf of the Roman government and frequently took extra for themselves. Despite his background, Jesus called Matthew to be one of His disciples, showing how God’s grace extends to everyone.
Bible Reference: “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9)
2. Matthew Was Also Known as Levi
In the Gospels of Mark and Luke, Matthew is referred to as “Levi. “It was common for individuals in biblical times to have more than one name, especially if they interacted with both Jewish and Roman cultures. "Levi reflects his Jewish heritage, while "Matthew" likely means “gift of God.”
Bible Reference: See Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27.
3. Matthew Wrote for a Jewish Audience
The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience. It emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and contains numerous references to Old Testament prophecies, showing how Jesus fulfilled them.
Example: “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” (Matthew 1:22)
4. The Gospel of Matthew Includes the Sermon on the Mount
One of Matthew’s most notable contributions is the recording of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), where Jesus taught foundational principles of Christian living. This section includes the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and teachings on love, forgiveness, and humility.
5. He Was One of the Twelve Apostles
Matthew was part of Jesus’ inner circle, chosen as one of the twelve apostles sent out to spread the Gospel. His inclusion highlights Jesus’ ability to transform lives, as Matthew went from a tax collector to a dedicated follower and missionary.
Bible Reference: “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector...” (Matthew 10:2–3)
6. Matthew's Gospel Starts with a Genealogy
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a detailed genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage to Abraham. This shows Jesus’ connection to God's promises to the patriarchs and underscores His royal lineage through King David.
Bible Reference: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1)
7. Matthew Emphasized the Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew uses the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” over 30 times, more than any other Gospel writer. This phrase reflects Jewish reverence for God’s name, avoiding the direct use of the “Kingdom of God.” It also highlights Jesus’ mission to establish God’s reign on Earth.
8. He Left His Wealth Behind
When Matthew decided to follow Jesus, he left behind his lucrative career as a tax collector. This shows his complete devotion to Christ and willingness to sacrifice worldly possessions for a greater calling.
Bible Reference: “So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.” (Luke 5:28)
9. Tradition Holds That Matthew Preached in Many Nations
While the Bible doesn’t detail what happened to Matthew after Jesus’ ascension, church tradition suggests that he became a missionary, spreading the Gospel in places like Ethiopia, Persia, and Parthia. He is believed to have been martyred for his faith.
10. Matthew Highlights Jesus’ Compassion
Matthew’s Gospel repeatedly emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for sinners, the sick, and the marginalized. This theme may reflect Matthew’s experience of being called out of a despised profession into a life of grace and purpose.
Example: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
Summary Table of Matthew’s Key Attributes
| Fact | Significance |
|---|---|
| Tax collector turned disciple | Shows Jesus’ grace and transformative power |
| Also known as Levi | Reflects cultural and religious heritage |
| Wrote for a Jewish audience | Highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy |
| Included the Sermon on the Mount | Provides foundational Christian teachings |
| Part of the twelve apostles | Demonstrates his role in spreading the Gospel |
| Began Gospel with a genealogy | Establishes Jesus’ connection to Abraham and David |
| Focused on the Kingdom of Heaven | Reinforces the theme of God’s reign on Earth |
| Sacrificed wealth to follow Jesus | Example of total devotion to Christ |
| Likely preached in many nations | Shows his dedication to spreading the Gospel despite challenges |
| Emphasized Jesus’ compassion | Reflects Matthew’s understanding of grace based on his personal experience |
