The Life of Jesus in Harmony | Index

Levi

MATTHEW (From Mattathias, "gift of Jehovah").

The son of a certain Alphaeus, surnamed Levi (Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27). It is not known whether his father was the same as the Alphaeus named as the father of James the Less, but he was probably another.

Matthew's residence was at Capernaum, and he was a publican or "tax-gatherer." There was at that time a large population surrounding the Lake of Gennesaret; its fisheries supplied a source of livelihood, and its surface was alive with busy navigation and traffic. A customhouse was established at Capernaum by the Romans, where Matthew was tax collector. The publicans proper were usually Romans of rank and wealth, who farmed out the business of collecting to resident deputies called portitors. It was to this class that Matthew belonged.

While Matthew was thus occupied, "sitting in the tax office," Jesus said to him, "Follow Me!" he immediately "rose, and followed Him" Mt 9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27-28). Jesus also dined with the publicans (Mt 9:10).

After this we find no mention of him except in the mentions of the apostles (Lk 6:15) and his presence in the "upper room" in Jerusalem after our Lord's ascension (Acts 1:13).

The gospel that bears his name was written by this apostle, according to the testimony of all antiquity. Tradition relates that Matthew preached in Judea after the ascension for twelve or fifteen years and then went to foreign nations.