Who was Matthew in the Bible?

TL;DR:

Matthew was a tax collector, whom God called to be an apostle. Matthew left his life of wealth for the riches of following Christ.

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum, whom Jesus called to be a disciple. He immediately left his job and wealth to follow Jesus, a decision highlighted in three gospel accounts. After his call, Matthew hosted a banquet for Jesus, inviting other tax collectors and sinners, which led to criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus defended this by stating His mission to call sinners to repentance. Matthew's life demonstrates the importance of forsaking material wealth and comfort to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

from the old testament

Matthew is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

Matthew was a tax collector in the city of Capernaum.
Matthew was also known as Levi, son of Alphaeus. Levi may have been his original name or an association with that tribe of Israel (Mark 2:14).
Although Jesus had another disciple known as James, son of Alphaeus, there is no evidence that he was a relative of Matthew.
One day, while Matthew was sitting at his tax booth, Jesus passed by and said, "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9). Matthew immediately left behind his job, his wealth, and his past ways to follow Jesus. This encounter is recorded three times in the Bible (Matthew 9:9–13; Mark 2:14–17; Luke 5:27–32). In each account, after Jesus called Matthew, he invited Jesus to a banquet at his home. While there, Jesus and His disciples ate with other tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees were upset as to why Jesus would spend time with such people. Jesus replied, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31–32).
Although the Gospel of Matthew does not explicitly state its author, early church tradition attributes it to Matthew the apostle. The gospel emphasizes Jesus's fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and includes extensive teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount.
Not much else is mentioned about Matthew. As an apostle, he followed Jesus, learned from Him, witnessed His ministry, and shared the good news with others.

implications for today

In the eyes of the world, Matthew may have seemed like an unlikely candidate for a disciple of Jesus. The Pharisees based their standard of holiness on self-righteous works and perfection under the Jewish law. No one, not even themselves, could live up to that expectation. On the other hand, the Romans admired wealth, power, and one's position in society. Apart from being an Israelite, Matthew was doing pretty well for himself in that respect. However, Matthew recognized his sin and need for a savior. Not only that, but he gave up the riches of this world for the gift of eternity with God (Matthew 19:16–22, 24–28). From God's perspective, Matthew was the right man for the job. As a future leader of the church, he would be able to show unbelievers they needed forgiveness for their sins, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for their sin, and only through believing in Him would they gain salvation for their souls.

Matthew shows us the importance of forsaking all else, including comfort and material wealth, to follow Christ. Matthew left his profitable job and comfortable life as a tax collector to become a disciple of Jesus. This demonstrates that true discipleship requires dying to self, picking up our crosses, and following Him (Matthew 16:24–26). It requires obedience to God's call over worldly comforts and possessions. Following Christ wholeheartedly may mean letting go of personal security and embracing a life of faith and service, but the riches and abundant life that come as a result far outweigh anything left behind.

understand

Matthew, a tax collector also known as Levi, was called by Jesus to be a disciple. He immediately followed Jesus.
After his call, Matthew hosted a banquet for Jesus, inviting other tax collectors and sinners. Jesus defended his association with them by stating His mission to call sinners to repentance.
The Gospel of Matthew is attributed to Matthew.

reflect

How willing are you to leave behind your current comforts and material wealth to follow Christ?
How are you called to associate with “sinners,” like Jesus did with Matthew’s friends?
In what areas of your life do you need to recognize your own need for a Savior and seek repentance, as Matthew did?

engage

In the first century, tax collectors were hated because they represented the oppression of the Roman Empire. They were often unjust, abusing the system to overcharge the people and pocket the difference. The Jews especially loathed these thieves and liars, branding them amongst the worst sinners of the community.
History indicates that Matthew took the gospel abroad to an area known as Ethiopia, south of the Caspian Sea, and possibly parts of Persia, Macedonia, and Syria. Eventually he died a martyr, as was the fate of all of the other disciples, except John.
How can we, like Matthew, invite others to experience Jesus, especially those who are often marginalized or looked down upon by society?