Bible character overview - Matthew

Written by: My Store Admin

June 3, 2024

Time to read 3 min

Introduction:

Welcome to an insightful character overview of Matthew. Here you'll learn about who Matthew was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Matthew to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.

Who was Matthew from the Bible?

Key facts

When: roughly around 4 B.C to 60 A.D
Where: Capernaum
Name meaning: ‘Gift of God’

Glimpse: Matthew is the writer of one of the four gospels located at the start of the New Testament and also walked with Jesus as one of His 12 disciples. He was a tax collector before coming to Christ and was willing to leave everything and follow Him. Matthew isn't mentioned much in scripture but we can still gain insight on his character and story.

Matthew the tax collector

Matthew, formerly known as Levi, was a tax collector. His call to discipleship is recounted in Matthew 9:9-13:

"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’"

Questions

→ Why is sacrifice required when giving your life to God?

→ Why did Jesus eat with sinners? How are we called to live amongst sinners?

"While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples."

Matthew 9:10

Radical transformation

Matthew, an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry, authored the Gospel of Matthew. Although he is not frequently mentioned in the New Testament, his story demonstrates a profound transformation, as he dedicated his life to following Jesus.

Matthew's background as a tax collector likely contributed to his detailed observations and recording abilities, which were instrumental when he wrote his Gospel. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he meticulously documented the life and teachings of Jesus.

The Matthew card from the biblebumps game

Questions

→ What skills do you have that can aid in the spreading of the gospel?

→ What stands out to you in Matthews's story?

"When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.''

Acts 1:13

Strengths:

Skilled: As a tax collector, Matthew acquired some useful skills being good with recording and recollection events and details
Committed: Matthew left his high-paying job to follow Jesus and bear the weight of the judgment of others

Weaknesses:

Conclusion

Although there isn't much mention of Matthew in scripture, his story is still inspiring as he made a huge leap of faith to follow Jesus. As a tax collector, he would have been used to judgment, but now he was not only being judged but also persecuted for his faith. We can learn that following Jesus requires sacrificing our own desires and comforts for the sake of Him who has saved us.

''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''

John 3:16

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The Author: OluKoye Williams

Koye Williams is the creator of the international game biblebumps. His mission is to see the people of the Bible brought to life in a new and exciting way whilst also providing opportunities to spend quality time with the family.

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What is the gospel?

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