\u201cAnd Jesus saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.\u201d \u2014 Matthew 9:9 (KJV)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew stands as a powerful testimony to the transforming call of Jesus Christ. Once a despised tax collector, Matthew became one of the twelve apostles and the inspired author of the Gospel that bears his name. His life shows that no past sin, no social shame, and no former allegiance can prevent a person from being used mightily by God when they respond to Christ\u2019s call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew is first introduced in the New Testament as a tax collector sitting at the receipt of custom (Matthew 9:9). He is also called Levi<\/strong>, the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). Many scholars agree that Matthew and Levi are the same person, with Matthew being his apostolic name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a tax collector, Matthew worked for the Roman government, collecting taxes from his own people. This profession made him widely hated among the Jews. Tax collectors were seen as traitors and were often associated with corruption and greed. Yet Jesus deliberately called Matthew, showing divine grace toward one rejected by society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew immediately left his occupation and followed Christ. His response was decisive and complete. He later hosted a great feast in his house, inviting other tax collectors and sinners so they too could meet Jesus (Luke 5:29). This reveals Matthew\u2019s heart for evangelism from the very beginning of his walk with Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In first-century Judea, Roman taxation was heavy and deeply resented. Tax collectors often added extra fees for personal gain, reinforcing their reputation as sinners. Religious leaders refused to associate with them, believing they were ceremonially unclean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus\u2019 decision to call Matthew was radical. It challenged the religious mindset of the Pharisees, who questioned why Jesus would eat with publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:11). Christ\u2019s response revealed His mission: Matthew\u2019s background also helps explain the structure of his Gospel. As a former tax collector, he would have been literate, skilled in record-keeping, and familiar with Roman administration. These abilities likely aided him in carefully organizing the teachings of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew was chosen as one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2\u20134). Though he is not recorded as speaking often in the Gospels, his influence is profound through his written testimony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the resurrection and ascension of Christ, Matthew likely ministered among Jewish believers. Early church tradition suggests he preached in regions such as Judea and possibly beyond, though Scripture itself remains silent on the details of his later ministry. What is certain is that Matthew remained faithful to Christ and His gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew\u2019s Gospel was written primarily to a Jewish audience. It presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of Israel. Matthew repeatedly connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecy, using phrases such as \u201cthat it might be fulfilled\u201d (Matthew 1:22; 2:15; 2:17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key themes in Matthew\u2019s Gospel include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew\u2019s Gospel bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew\u2019s life proclaims a clear message: grace calls the unlikely. Jesus did not choose Matthew because of religious standing, but because of a willing heart. His transformation demonstrates the power of repentance and obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew also reminds believers that their past does not define their future in Christ. What matters is responding when Jesus says, \u201cFollow me.\u201d In an age marked by compromise and self-interest, Matthew\u2019s example calls the church back to wholehearted devotion and faithful witness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matthew the apostle stands as a witness to the redeeming grace of Christ. From a despised tax collector to a trusted apostle and Gospel writer, his life testifies that God chooses whom He will and transforms them for His purposes. Matthew\u2019s Gospel continues to call readers to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, submit to His kingdom, and live in faithful obedience as the end draws near.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cAnd Jesus saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.\u201d \u2014 Matthew 9:9 (KJV) Introduction Matthew stands as a powerful testimony to the transforming call of Jesus Christ. Once a despised tax collector, Matthew became one of the twelve apostles and the inspired author of the Gospel that bears his name. His […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-593","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nIntroduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Matthew\u2019s Biography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cultural and Historical Background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance\u201d (Matthew 9:13, KJV).<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatthew as an Apostle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Gospel According to Matthew<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Spiritual Significance and Application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n