Apostle · Disciple · New Testament
The Story of Matthew
Also: Levi, Mathayo (Kiswahili), Lawi (Kiswahili)
Tax collector called by Jesus to follow him, one of the twelve apostles.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the tax booth and said, Follow me, and he got up and followed. Jesus then ate with tax collectors and sinners. Matthew 9:9–13
Mark and Luke tell the same call of a tax collector named Levi, and Matthew's Gospel calls him Matthew the tax collector in its list of the twelve. Mark 2:14Luke 5:27–29Matthew 10:3
Told in: Matthew
Life at a glance
- Work
- Tax collector Matthew 10:3
- Also called
- Levi, son of Alphaeus (in Mark) Mark 2:14
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Matthew
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Called from the tax booth
Jesus calls Matthew, who follows him and hosts a meal with many tax collectors.
More about this event
Parallel account: Mark 2:13–17 · Luke 5:27–32
People: Jesus
Places named: Capernaum
Chosen as one of the twelve
Matthew is appointed among the twelve apostles.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Matthew. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
Family and relationships
- JesusTeacherMatthew 9:9
Books associated with Matthew
- Matthew Traditionally attributed author
The Gospel does not name its author. Early church tradition attributes it to Matthew the apostle; modern scholars debate this.
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
GraceCalling
- What does Jesus say about why he came (Matthew 9:12-13)?
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