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Matthew (Levi)

biblical_person theological_term standard

Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector whom Jesus called to follow Him and who became one of the Twelve apostles. Christian tradition has long identified him with the author of the Gospel of Matthew.

At a Glance

Tax collector called by Jesus; one of the Twelve apostles; traditionally identified as the Gospel of Matthew’s author.

Key Points

Description

Matthew, also called Levi in the Synoptic Gospels, is presented in Scripture as a tax collector whom Jesus called to leave his work and follow Him. He then became one of the Twelve apostles. The Gospel accounts are commonly understood to refer to the same man by the names Matthew and Levi, though interpreters note the differences in how the passages are worded. Conservative Christian tradition has long associated this apostle with the Gospel of Matthew. A careful dictionary entry should state clearly what Scripture says—that Jesus called this man from tax collection into discipleship and apostleship—while treating the identification of Levi with Matthew and the question of Gospel authorship in a measured, historically orthodox way.

Biblical Context

Matthew’s call appears in the Synoptic call narratives, where Jesus summons a tax collector from his booth and Matthew immediately follows. The apostolic lists then include Matthew among the Twelve. Taken together, these passages portray a public sinner receiving a gracious summons into close discipleship and apostolic service.

Historical Context

Tax collectors in the first-century Roman world were widely disliked because they worked in a system associated with Gentile rule and financial exploitation. Matthew’s former occupation would have marked him socially and religiously as an outsider, which makes Jesus’ call of him especially significant in the Gospel narrative.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In Jewish society of the period, tax collectors were often regarded as collaborators with Rome and were frequently grouped with sinners. The calling of Matthew/Levi therefore highlights Jesus’ willingness to restore and include those viewed as spiritually and socially disreputable.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Matthew is the Greek form of the name used in the apostolic lists; Levi is the alternate name used in the Synoptic calling narratives.

Theological Significance

Matthew’s call highlights Jesus’ authority to summon sinners into discipleship and the grace of God that reaches beyond social reputation or past occupation. It also underscores the apostolic foundation of the church and the witness of a transformed life.

Philosophical Explanation

The entry illustrates identity through testimony and narrative context: one man is known under two names, and the text must be read carefully to distinguish what is explicitly stated from what is inferred by harmonization. It also shows how public calling can redefine vocation and status.

Interpretive Cautions

The identification of Levi with Matthew is widely accepted in orthodox Christian interpretation, but the text does not spell out the harmonization in a single sentence. Likewise, Matthew’s authorship of the Gospel is a longstanding tradition rather than an explicit statement of the Gospel text itself, so it should be presented as tradition with care.

Major Views

Most evangelical and historic Christian interpreters identify Levi and Matthew as the same apostle. A minority of readers have treated the naming details more cautiously, but the harmonized identification remains the dominant traditional view.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This is a historical-person entry, not a doctrine. The Gospel text clearly presents Jesus calling a tax collector to follow Him and later including Matthew among the Twelve; traditional authorship claims should be stated as tradition, not as a direct canonical assertion.

Practical Significance

Matthew’s account reminds readers that Jesus calls people from ordinary work, public shame, and spiritual need into service. It encourages repentance, obedience, and confidence that Christ receives those whom others may dismiss.

Related Entries

See Also

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