Read the Bible in a Year - Matthew Study
Brief Synopsis of Matthew’s Background…
The Gospel of Matthew was written by one of Jesus’ disciples. He is introduced as both Matthew (in the Book of Matthew) and as Levi (in the Book of Mark and Luke). His occupation is listed as tax collector which means he could have been despised by his fellow Jews for being a “traitor” to the nation of Israel by working for the Roman empire.
His Listed Names:
Levi, son of Alphaeus (Hebrew name)
Matthew (Greek name: Matthaios, meaning “gift of God” or, alternatively, Mathetes, meaning “disciple"; possibly given his Greek name by Jesus after He invited him to be one of His twelve disciples?)
He could have very likely been a disciple of John the Baptist and decided to repent from his wayward life and be baptized (cleansed/purified) at his preaching prior to Jesus calling him into ministry. If so, he would have first-hand knowledge of John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus being the Messiah and Son of God. John the Baptist pointed his followers to the ever-increasing ministry of Jesus Christ. Could this be why Matthew left his lucrative position so swiftly to follow Jesus and become a "fisher of men"?
As mentioned previously, Matthew had been a tax collector near the city of Capernaum which became the city Jesus lived in when He wasn't traveling and the main hub of His ministry in Galilee (the Northern region of Israel). Matthew was quite wealthy which is made evident by the feast he hosted at his home to honor Jesus after he (Matthew) is called into ministry by Him.
Because he is introduced as Levi in two other Gospel accounts, there is a very strong likelihood that he was a descendant of the tribe of Levi (Levites were appointed as priests by God Himself to serve in the Tabernacle and, later, Temple). Levites who served in the priesthood were tasked with collecting offerings and gathering dues, such as the Temple tax, from the Israelites.
Matthew describes the collection of the half-shekel tax in his Gospel account (found in Matthew 17:24) which was originally instituted to help fund the service and care of the Temple, but during the time of Herod’s rule (i.e. the time of Jesus’ ministry), it had become an annual fundraiser for new building projects.
“The involvement of Levites in tax collecting leaves us with an intriguing possibility, that Herod had once again pressed these priests into service for the collection of building funds and, subsequently, provided a framework and manpower for the Roman system.”
Unfortunately, tax collectors were severely despised by the Jewish people, so Matthew would have been on the fringe of society (i.e. an outcast among his people). The Roman government would employ local Jewish men to collect taxes (that were then sent directly to Rome) from the Jewish people living in these Roman-governed territories. Unfortunately, many of the tax collectors were greedy and would line their own pockets by offering loans to those who couldn’t pay the tax and then charging them high interest rates on the debt. They were viewed as wicked and traitors to the nation of Israel because they worked directly for the Romans who, at that time, were their oppressors.
It is my opinion that Matthew repented of his wicked ways at the preaching of John the Baptist and was baptized. Following his baptism, he may have been fervently praying to the Father for a different career; for a different opportunity to earn a livelihood - for a renewed purpose for his life. Maybe around that very time, Jesus appeared and asked him to “Follow Me!” He became a disciple of Jesus (and, later, an apostle).
Interesting Themes in the Book of Matthew…
-The Kingdom of Heaven (The Kingship of Jesus)
Matthew details the nature and message of the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus boldly proclaimed
-The Authority of Jesus as King of kings
Matthew details the authority Jesus possesses over the unseen realm (demonic spirits), creation (calming of the wind and waves), death (healings of every manner of sickness and disease, including raising people from the dead), forgiveness of sins, and His teachings and preaching (unlike the scribes and sages), etc.
-The Fulfillment of OT Prophecies of the coming Messiah (Sent One)
Matthew recounts many Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled - from His virgin birth in Bethlehem through specific events in His life, leading to His death, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Here is an informative, but brief article on the main theme of the Gospel of Matthew: Jesus is the Promised Messiah:
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