Matthew

AI summary: Matthew matters because the cross references present him as a disciple called from a socially suspect occupation into intimate apostolic fellowship. He rises from the tax booth immediately, hosts a feast that brings Jesus into contact with others like himself, and later stands in the apostolic lists as a witness of the Gospel. His story demonstrates that Jesus' call reaches into places many would consider spiritually disqualified. Taken together, the material presents Matthew as an apostle whose calling embodies mercy, discipleship, and transformed allegiance.¹

Gift of God, a common Jewish name after the Exile. He was the son of Alphaeus, and was a publican or tax-gatherer at Capernaum. On one occasion Jesus, coming up from the side of the lake, passed the custom-house where Matthew was seated, and said to him, “Follow me.” Matthew arose and followed him, and became his disciple (Matt. 9:9). Formerly the name by which he was known was Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27); he now changed it, possibly in grateful memory of his call, to Matthew. The same day on which Jesus called him he made a “great feast” (Luke 5:29), a farewell feast, to which he invited Jesus and his disciples, and probably also many of old associates. He was afterwards selected as one of the twelve (6:15). His name does not occur again in the Gospel history except in the lists of the apostles. The last notice of him is in Acts 1:13. The time and manner of his death are unknown. ³