Who Was Matthew?
The tax collector called by grace.
Matthew, also called Levi, collected taxes for Rome. Tax collectors were widely disliked because many enriched themselves and worked for the occupying government. Jesus saw Matthew at his tax booth and simply said, “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed. He then held a great meal where other tax collectors and outsiders could meet Jesus. When religious leaders complained, Jesus explained that He came to call sinners to repentance. Matthew became one of the twelve apostles. The Gospel bearing his name presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and ends with the command to make disciples of all nations.