Which Disciple Was A Tax Collector

In the biblical narrative, the story of Matthew, also known as Levi, provides an intriguing glimpse into the life of a disciple who, before his calling, held a profession that was often viewed with suspicion and contempt by his fellow Jews.

Matthew: The Tax Collector Turned Disciple

Matthew, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, was a tax collector by profession before he embarked on his journey as a follower of Christ. His story is recounted in the New Testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, offering a unique perspective on the diversity of backgrounds among Jesus' closest companions.

Tax collectors in the time of Jesus were typically seen as collaborators with the Roman Empire, a foreign power that ruled over the Jewish people. They were tasked with collecting taxes from their own communities, often charging excessive rates and keeping a portion of the revenue for themselves. This made them widely despised and considered traitors by many Jews.

The Calling of Matthew

According to the Gospel of Matthew (9:9-13), Jesus was walking along when he saw Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And Matthew got up and followed him.

This abrupt and transformative moment marks a pivotal shift in Matthew's life. He left behind his lucrative but ethically questionable profession to become one of Jesus' disciples, a group that included fishermen, a revolutionary (Simon the Zealot), and a political revolutionary turned fisherman (Peter). The diversity of their backgrounds highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry.

Matthew's past as a tax collector became a source of tension within the community. The Pharisees, a group of Jewish religious leaders, questioned Jesus about why he ate with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responded with the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing his mission to seek and save the lost (Matthew 9:10-13).

Matthew's Contribution to the Early Church

After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Matthew, like the other disciples, played a crucial role in spreading the message of Christianity. While details about his post-resurrection activities are scarce, it is believed that he held a significant position within the early Christian community.

Tradition holds that Matthew wrote the first Gospel, known as the Gospel of Matthew. This gospel, written primarily for a Jewish audience, emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and his role as the Messiah. It is one of the most detailed and structured of the four gospels, providing a comprehensive account of Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings.

The Legacy of Matthew

Matthew's transformation from a tax collector to a disciple and evangelist exemplifies the radical inclusivity of Jesus' message. Despite his controversial past, Matthew was chosen and accepted into the inner circle of Jesus' followers, underscoring the theme of redemption and second chances that runs throughout the Christian narrative.

Today, Matthew's story continues to inspire believers, reminding them that no matter one's past or social standing, there is always the potential for a new beginning and a life dedicated to faith and service.

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