Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

MATTHEW

(Gk. Maththaíos)

One of Jesus’ original disciples, named in all the lists of the Twelve (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). In their accounts of his call to become a disciple, Mark and Luke give his name as Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). His being a tax collector and the similarity of the details of the calling make the identification of Matthew with Levi virtually certain. Mark’s account lists him as son of Alphaeus, which would seem to identify him as the brother of James (not to be confused with James, son of Zebedee).

All three Synoptic accounts of Matthew/Levi’s calling are followed shortly by accounts of Jesus attending a reception with many “tax-gatherers and sinners” present. Only Luke clearly identifies the home as being that of Levi. Luke apparently wanted to show that this reception was a spontaneous and joyful response to Matthew/Levi’s being called to follow Jesus.

Before he became a disciple Matthew was a tax collector in the area of Capernaum. His position would have been a very lucrative one, as he would have had opportunity to collect not only from local farmers and craftsmen as they brought their products to market, but also from caravans which often passed through the area carrying goods between Egypt and the Orient. The detail found only in Luke that he “left everything” (Luke 5:28) to follow Jesus is probably a hint as to this lucrative position.

Very little is known of Matthew/Levi beyond the Synoptic accounts of his call. Papias claims that he wrote the Gospel of Matthew in Hebrew. As with all the original disciples, legendary stories abound. According to one tradition he was martyred, but another says he died a natural death.

Joe E. Lunceford

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

MATTHEW

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)