Topic: Persons Of The Bible - Matthew

The name "Matthew" is the English form of Ματθαιος (Matthaios), which was a Greek form of the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu) which meant "gift of Yahweh, gift of God, or gift of Jehovah".

The name "Matthew" was a common Jewish name after the Exile. Matthew was the son of Alphaeus, and was a publican or tax-gatherer at Capernaum.

Being a publican meant his business was the collection of dues and customs from persons and goods crossing the Sea of Galilee, or passing along the great Damascus road which ran along the shore between Bethsaida, Julius and Capernaum. On one occasion, Jesus, coming up from the side of the lake, passed the custom-house where Matthew was seated, and said to him, "Follow me." Matthew arose and followed him, and became his disciple (Matt. 9:9). Formerly the name by which Matthew was known was Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27); Levi changed his name, possibly in grateful memory of his call, to Matthew. He appears to have been a man of wealth, for he made a great feast in his own house, perhaps in order to introduce his former companions and friends to Jesus. His business would tend to give him knowledge of human nature, and accurate business habits, and of how to make a way to the hearts of many publicans and sinners not otherwise easily reached. He is mentioned by name, after the resurrection of Christ, only in (Acts 1:15) but he must have lived many years as an apostle, since he was the author of the Gospel of Matthew which was written at least twenty years later. There is reason to believe he remained for fifteen years at Jerusalem, after which he went as missionary to the Persians, Parthians and Medes. There is a legend he died a martyr in Ethiopia.--ED.)

Derived from Easton's and Smith's Bible Dictionaries

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