Was Matthew A Tax Collector?
The story of Matthew, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, has been told many times. He was a tax collector and according to the New Testament, was called by Jesus to become one of his closest followers. But was Matthew really a tax collector?
There is strong evidence that Matthew was indeed a tax collector. The New Testament tells us that when Jesus called him, Matthew was sitting in a customs house, which was the place where taxes were collected. He also appears to have been in the same profession before being called by Jesus, as we are told that he was a publican, a term which was used in the ancient world to refer to tax collectors.
Matthew was also known by another name, Levi, which was given to him by Jesus when he was called. This is significant because in the ancient world, tax collectors often took on a new name to avoid the stigma associated with their profession. It is possible that Matthew adopted the name Levi in order to distance himself from his past.
The fact that Matthew was a tax collector is also supported by other ancient sources. The Jewish historian Josephus, who lived in the first century AD, mentions a man named Matthew who was a publican, and this is likely to be the same Matthew who was one of Jesus’ disciples. Josephus also says that this Matthew was related to the high priest, which suggests that he was from a prominent family and had access to the resources needed to become a tax collector.
The Gospel of Matthew also supports the idea that he was a tax collector. This Gospel was probably written by the same Matthew who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, and it contains several references to tax collectors. For example, Jesus is quoted as saying, “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13). This could be a reference to tax collectors, who were seen as sinners by many of their contemporaries.
The evidence, then, suggests that Matthew was indeed a tax collector. He was sitting in a customs house when Jesus called him, and he was known by another name which was likely adopted to distance himself from the stigma of his profession. Ancient historians also mention a man named Matthew who was a publican, and the Gospel of Matthew contains several references to tax collectors which could be seen as evidence that the author was a tax collector.
The Significance of Matthew Being a Tax Collector
The fact that Matthew was a tax collector is significant because it shows that Jesus was open to working with people from all walks of life. In the ancient world, tax collectors were despised and seen as sinners, and yet Jesus chose one to be one of his closest followers. This sends a powerful message that anyone can be saved and that no one is beyond redemption.
It is also significant because it highlights the importance of repentance. Matthew was a sinner, but he was willing to turn away from his old life and follow Jesus. This is a reminder that God is always willing to forgive, regardless of a person’s past sins. It is also a reminder that true repentance requires that we turn away from our old life and embrace a new one.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that Matthew was indeed a tax collector. This is significant because it shows us that Jesus was open to working with people from all walks of life, and that no one is beyond redemption. It is also a reminder that true repentance requires that we turn away from our old life and embrace a new one.