Matthew

Also known as: Matthew the publican · Family: Jesus's disciples · Role: tax collector · First appears: Matthew 9

Matthew, also known as Matthew the publican, was a tax collector until Matthew 9, when Jesus saw him at the receipt of custom and commanded, “Follow me.” Matthew arose and followed him. In Matthew 10, Jesus sent Matthew with the twelve apostles to Israel, giving them authority to preach, heal, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils; he also taught that “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.” God was described as the Father who does not overlook even a sparrow that falls.

In Mark 3, Jesus ordained twelve to remain with him and receive authority to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils. In Luke 6, Matthew was among the twelve whom Jesus chose and named apostles. In Acts 1, Jesus appeared alive after his passion, spoke with the apostles about the kingdom of God, and commanded them to remain in Jerusalem awaiting the Father’s promise; Matthias was later numbered with the eleven apostles.