Have you ever wondered what it takes for someone to leave everything behind and follow Jesus? The Apostle Matthew offers us a glimpse into that kind of radical transformation. Before becoming one of the twelve apostles, Matthew was a tax collector—a profession despised by his fellow Jews. Tax collectors were seen as traitors, working for the Roman government and often taking more than required. Matthew wasn’t just disliked; he was likely viewed as a sinner and an outcast.

But then something remarkable happened. Jesus, walking by Matthew’s tax booth, saw beyond his past and simply said, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9). And Matthew did! He left his position, his wealth, and his old life to follow Jesus, becoming a faithful disciple and later the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament.

In this study, we’ll dive into Apostle Matthew’s life—his strengths, his weaknesses, and how his journey from tax collector to Gospel writer inspires us today. Matthew’s story reminds us that no one is beyond redemption, and Jesus calls each of us to something greater. Let’s explore the lessons we can learn from this incredible transformation and see how God used an unlikely man to spread the message of the Kingdom.

Strengths and Accomplishments

When we look at the life of Apostle Matthew, we see a man whose strengths and accomplishments stand out in surprising ways. Though his background as a tax collector might have seemed to disqualify him in the eyes of society, God saw the potential in Matthew to fulfill a higher purpose. Let’s explore some of his most notable strengths and accomplishments.

One of the most striking aspects of Apostle Matthew’s life is his immediate obedience to Jesus’ call. Matthew was a tax collector, a position that brought wealth but also social isolation and disdain. Yet, when Jesus approached Matthew at his tax booth and simply said, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9), Matthew left everything behind without hesitation. This act of faith and obedience was not a gradual process—it was instant. He left his lucrative career, his comforts, and his old way of life to follow Jesus. His willingness to respond so quickly shows us the power of transformation when one chooses to fully trust in God’s calling.

Perhaps Matthew’s most significant contribution to Christianity is his authorship of the Gospel of Matthew. This Gospel stands as the first book of the New Testament and emphasizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. Matthew’s writing provides an important link between Jewish traditions and the new covenant established through Christ. His account is detailed and structured, showing his commitment to accurately presenting the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus. Through his Gospel, Matthew’s influence continues to shape the understanding of Christ’s identity for believers worldwide.

A lesser-known, but equally important, strength of Apostle Matthew is his heart for evangelism and hospitality. After his encounter with Jesus, Matthew held a great banquet in Jesus’ honor, inviting his fellow tax collectors and “sinners” to meet the One who had changed his life (Luke 5:29). This act of hospitality demonstrates Matthew’s desire to share Jesus with those who were often marginalized or excluded from society. Rather than distancing himself from his former life, Matthew saw it as an opportunity to introduce others to Jesus, embodying the spirit of evangelism and inclusivity.

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Despite being the author of one of the Gospels, Apostle Matthew remained humble and dedicated to his mission. Unlike other apostles such as Peter or Paul, Matthew is not a prominent figure in many of the Gospel narratives. Instead, he often remains in the background, focused on his role in spreading the message of Jesus rather than seeking personal recognition. This quiet dedication is a testimony to his humility and unwavering commitment to the cause of Christ.

Through these strengths and accomplishments, we see how Apostle Matthew’s life serves as an example of transformation, obedience, humility, and dedication to the Gospel message. His story reminds us that God can use anyone—no matter their past—for His glory.

 

Weaknesses and Mistakes

Apostle Matthew, like all of us, had weaknesses and challenges that shaped his journey as a disciple of Jesus. Before following Christ, Matthew worked as a tax collector, a profession that made him a social outcast among his fellow Jews. He was despised, labeled a traitor and a sinner because tax collectors were known for collaborating with the oppressive Roman authorities and often engaging in dishonest practices. This social stigma likely affected him emotionally, leaving scars from being rejected by his community.

In addition to the social rejection he faced, Matthew’s past associations as a tax collector meant he had spent years working closely with the Romans, often at the expense of his fellow Jews. His job may have involved dishonesty or even exploitation, a common practice among tax collectors of the time. While the Bible does not give specific details about Matthew’s conduct before his conversion, the general reputation of tax collectors would have cast a shadow over him.

Another potential weakness is that Matthew was a quieter figure compared to more vocal apostles like Peter or Paul. He is rarely mentioned in the Gospel narratives beyond his calling, and this reserved nature might be seen as a limitation in leadership. While his quiet humility is admirable, it could also have kept him from taking a more prominent role in the early church. Nevertheless, Apostle Matthew’s weaknesses remind us that God uses imperfect people to accomplish great things.

Lessons from Their Life

The life of Apostle Matthew provides us with powerful lessons that can inspire and challenge us in our own walk with Christ. From his transformation as a tax collector to a follower of Jesus, to his role as a Gospel writer, we can draw deep insights from his journey. Let’s explore four key lessons from his life.

One of the most remarkable lessons from Apostle Matthew’s life is that Jesus calls the unlikely. Before his encounter with Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector—a profession associated with dishonesty, greed, and betrayal. He was an outcast in Jewish society, viewed as a sinner and traitor for working with the Romans. Yet, despite his tainted reputation, Jesus saw Matthew’s potential and extended a personal invitation for him to follow. This teaches us that no one is beyond redemption. Jesus calls people from all walks of life, even those rejected by society. If Jesus could call Matthew, a man despised by his community, He can call anyone, regardless of their past. It reminds us that our value in God’s eyes is not determined by our history, but by our willingness to respond to His call.

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Apostle Matthew’s decision to leave behind his lucrative career as a tax collector is a profound example of faith in action. When Jesus called him, Matthew didn’t hesitate—he left everything behind and followed Him immediately (Matthew 9:9). This act of faith teaches us the importance of prioritizing our spiritual calling over material success and worldly comfort. Matthew had wealth, status, and security in his profession, but he recognized that following Jesus was worth far more. In a world that often prioritizes material gain and success, Matthew’s life challenges us to examine where our true priorities lie. Are we willing to let go of temporary comforts and wealth to pursue a higher calling in Christ?

One of Matthew’s greatest accomplishments was writing the Gospel that bears his name. Through this, we learn the power of written testimony. His Gospel serves as an important bridge between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah. Matthew’s careful documentation of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection continues to impact believers around the world today. His testimony shows us the importance of recording and sharing our own faith experiences. Whether through writing, speaking, or simply sharing with others, our stories have the potential to reach and inspire people for generations. Matthew’s Gospel reminds us that our testimony can be a powerful tool in spreading the message of Jesus.

Another important lesson from Apostle Matthew’s life is his heart for evangelism, particularly toward the marginalized. After his conversion, Matthew hosted a banquet for Jesus and invited other tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:29). Instead of distancing himself from his old life, he used his connections to introduce others like him to Jesus. This act of hospitality and evangelism teaches us the significance of reaching out to those society overlooks. Matthew’s example encourages us to extend the love of Christ to those who are marginalized, forgotten, or deemed unworthy by others. Jesus reached out to Matthew, and Matthew, in turn, reached out to others like him. We, too, are called to share the Gospel with everyone, especially those who may feel excluded.

Through these lessons, Apostle Matthew’s life continues to speak to us today, offering a model of faith, humility, and a heart for evangelism.

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Vital Statistics for the Apostle Matthew

Apostle Matthew, also known as Levi (Mark 2:14), was a tax collector before being called to follow Jesus. As a publican, Matthew worked for the Roman government, a profession that made him unpopular among his fellow Jews. Despite this, Jesus saw his potential and invited him to become one of the twelve apostles. Matthew is identified as the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14), though little is known about his family background beyond this.

Matthew’s most significant contribution to the early Christian movement was his authorship of the Gospel of Matthew. This Gospel, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and highlights His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Apostle Matthew’s Gospel is foundational to the Christian faith, serving as a bridge between Jewish traditions and the teachings of Christ. His life and writings continue to impact believers and provide valuable insights into the life and ministry of Jesus.

  • Where: Capernaum
  • Occupations: Tax collector, a disciple of Jesus
  • Relative: Father: Alpheus
  • Contemporaries: Jesus, Pilate, Herod, other disciples
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Apostle Matthew Conclusion

Apostle Matthew’s journey from a despised tax collector to a devoted disciple of Jesus and Gospel writer is truly remarkable. His transformation shows us that no one is beyond redemption, no matter their past or societal status. As the author of the Gospel of Matthew, his contribution to the New Testament continues to shape the way we understand Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecies and revealing God’s kingdom.

Matthew’s story offers hope for all who feel marginalized or unworthy, reminding us that God’s call extends to everyone, regardless of their background. Just as Jesus chose Matthew, He calls each of us to follow Him, leaving behind our old lives for something far greater. Matthew’s life encourages us to reflect on how God can use us, no matter where we’ve come from, to make a lasting impact for His kingdom. Just like Apostle Matthew, we, too, can be transformed and play a vital role in sharing the Gospel with the world.

Key Verse for the Apostle Matthew

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (Matthew 9:9 NIV)

This verse encapsulates Matthew’s swift obedience to Jesus and his total life transformation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the call to discipleship and the grace of God that can redeem any life, no matter the background.

Matthew’s story is told in the Gospels. He is also mentioned in Acts 1:13.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Apostle Matthew

1. Why was Apostle Matthew disliked by his fellow Jews? Apostle Matthew was a tax collector before following Jesus, a profession despised by the Jews because tax collectors worked for the Roman government and were often seen as corrupt. They were considered traitors to their people and frequently took more money than required, leading to widespread hatred and mistrust.

2. What makes Apostle Matthew’s Gospel unique? Matthew’s Gospel uniquely emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, portraying Him as the long-awaited Messiah. It also highlights Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven and includes the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most comprehensive collections of Jesus’ teachings found in the Bible.

3. What can we learn from Apostle Matthew’s transformation? Apostle Matthew’s life teaches us that no one is beyond God’s reach. His story shows that Jesus calls people from all walks of life, even those rejected by society. Matthew’s immediate response to Jesus’ call demonstrates the power of faith and the importance of leaving behind worldly pursuits to follow Christ.