Matthew the Apostle

Matthew, also known as Levi, is one of the most intriguing figures among the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His story is emblematic of the transformative power of Jesus’s call and the inclusive ethos of his ministry. Before his calling, Matthew worked as a tax collector in Capernaum, a role that made him an object of disdain among his Jewish contemporaries. Tax collectors were despised not only for their association with the Roman authorities but also for their notorious reputation for extortion and corruption.

The Gospel accounts, particularly in Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14, and Luke 5:27-28, describe Jesus’s call to Matthew with simplicity and immediacy. Jesus simply said to him, "Follow me," and Matthew left his tax booth and followed Jesus, an act that symbolizes a radical reorientation of his life. This moment marked the beginning of Matthew’s journey from being a tax collector to becoming a witness to the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

After his calling, Matthew quickly became an integral part of Jesus's inner circle. The Gospels detail his journey with Jesus, witnessing miracles, hearing parables, and absorbing the teachings that would form the foundation of Christian doctrine. Notably, Matthew hosted a banquet at his house where Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners, an event that highlighted Jesus's mission to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:10-13). This incident underscores the theme of redemption and inclusion central to Jesus's ministry and Matthew's own life story.

Matthew's background as a tax collector, familiar with accounts and record-keeping, is often cited as contributing to the detail and structure observed in the Gospel attributed to him. The Gospel of Matthew presents a comprehensive account of Jesus's lineage, birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the Messiah who establishes the Kingdom of Heaven. It is rich in teachings and parables, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, which lays out the ethical and spiritual framework of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel also reflects a keen awareness of Jewish customs and law, suggesting Matthew's deep familiarity with his Jewish heritage. It addresses a predominantly Jewish audience, seeking to prove that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and encouraging a redefinition of Jewish identity around Jesus's teachings. Matthew's Gospel thus serves as a bridge between Jewish tradition and the emerging Christian faith, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant with Israel through the new covenant established by Jesus.

Matthew's apostolic ministry after Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection is less well-documented, with early Christian writings and traditions providing varied accounts of his activities. He is believed to have preached the Gospel in Judea and possibly in other regions, including Ethiopia, Persia, and the Parthian and Syrian areas, spreading the teachings of Jesus and establishing Christian communities.

The exact circumstances of Matthew's death are also the subject of speculation and tradition, with some accounts suggesting he died a martyr's death, while others indicate he may have died of natural causes. Regardless of the manner of his death, Matthew's legacy as one of the twelve apostles and as the attributed author of the first Gospel has had a profound and lasting impact on Christianity.

The Gospel of Matthew has been a cornerstone of Christian faith and theology, offering a rich theological narrative that integrates Jesus's teachings with a call to ethical living and faithful discipleship. It has been a source of liturgical practice, doctrinal development, and moral guidance throughout Christian history.