I. Who is Matthew in the Bible?
In the Bible, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be his disciples. He is also known as Levi, the tax collector. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector in Capernaum, a town in Galilee. Tax collectors were often despised in Jewish society because they worked for the Roman government and were seen as traitors to their own people. Despite this, Jesus called Matthew to follow him, and he left his tax collector’s booth to become a disciple.
II. What is the significance of Matthew’s role in the New Testament?
Matthew’s role in the New Testament is significant because he is the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Gospels that tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Matthew’s Gospel is considered one of the synoptic Gospels, along with Mark and Luke, because it shares many similarities in content and structure with these other Gospels.
III. What are some key events in Matthew’s life as described in the Bible?
Some key events in Matthew’s life as described in the Bible include his call to follow Jesus, his hosting of a dinner for Jesus and other tax collectors, and his role as one of the twelve apostles. Matthew is also mentioned in the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Luke, where he is referred to as Levi.
IV. How does Matthew’s Gospel differ from the other Gospels?
Matthew’s Gospel differs from the other Gospels in several ways. One of the main differences is that Matthew’s Gospel includes more references to the Old Testament and Jewish traditions than the other Gospels. Matthew also focuses more on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the Jewish Messiah. Additionally, Matthew’s Gospel includes the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of Jesus’ teachings on topics such as love, forgiveness, and the kingdom of God.
V. What are some key teachings attributed to Matthew in the Bible?
Some key teachings attributed to Matthew in the Bible include the importance of loving one’s enemies, the need for forgiveness, and the call to seek first the kingdom of God. Matthew also emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, and obedience to God’s commandments. One of the most famous teachings attributed to Matthew is the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
VI. How is Matthew remembered in Christian tradition?
In Christian tradition, Matthew is remembered as a faithful disciple of Jesus and the author of one of the four Gospels. He is often depicted in Christian art as a man holding a book or a quill, symbolizing his role as a writer. Matthew is also considered a patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, and bankers. His feast day is celebrated on September 21st in the Roman Catholic Church and on November 16th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Overall, Matthew’s legacy as an apostle and Gospel writer continues to inspire and guide Christians around the world.