An apostle of Jesus, former tax collector.
About Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector who became one of Jesus's twelve closest followers (called apostles). Many believe that Matthew wrote the book about Jesus's life that is called the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew was the son of Alphaeus. Before following Jesus, Matthew worked as a tax collector and was also known by the name Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27; compare Matthew 9:9). He is called Matthew in all four lists of Jesus's twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). Outside of these lists, Matthew's name is used only in the story where Jesus calls him to be his disciple (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:13–14; Luke 5:27).
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Alphaeus (Father of Levi)
Key References
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.
As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him.
Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;
All Scripture References (8)
Matthew (2)
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Mark (2)
Luke (3)
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him,
Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them.
Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;
Acts (1)
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.