Matthew Levi

One of the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ is Matthew or Levi, son of Alpheus, who lived in Capernaum. Matthew—the name means ‘a gift of God’. Some scholars think the name ‘Levi’ was given by the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a publican or tax collector, hated by common people and excommunicated by religious leaders. James the Less could have been a brother of Matthew. He wrote the Gospel that bears his name.

Tax collector

The Romans were ruling over the Jewish nation. They appointed tax collectors to different geographical regions. The tax collectors paid tax in advance to the Roman Government and later collected it from people. For this, the tax collectors collected an additional amount as their commission charges. Jews believed God was their king, and he alone was the only person to whom they should pay tribute, taxes, offerings, or tithes. They considered tax collectors to betray God and the nation.

Tax booth in Capernaum

In Capernaum, Matthew probably had a tax booth on the main highway, near Almagor, Israel, on the Sea of Galilee. (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14) Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, must have been his boss. He must have collected imported goods brought by farmers, merchants, caravans, and even fish caught in the Sea of Galilee, with the support of Roman soldiers. Lord Jesus met Matthew, and he left his lucrative career and lost the revenue that he had already paid to the Roman government.

Collecting people

Matthew had a new job description to invite people to the Kingdom of God. This began immediately after he left his job and organized a farewell dinner, where the Lord Jesus preached. (Luke 5:29) It is believed that he ministered in Judea and went towards Ethiopia and Persia.

Gospel of Matthew

Tax collectors were usually literate. Matthew’s pen and writing skills were consecrated for the Kingdom of God. Yes, God used his skills to write the gospel according to Matthew, which is a blessing to the whole world. It was written to the Jewish audience with the theme ‘Kingdom of Heaven,’ used thirty times.

Challenge

Matthew is a wonderful disciple who left his profession to become an Apostle of Lord Jesus Christ. His perspective on the Messiah and careful writings have blessed millions to find the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord.