What is the background of Matthew?
Matthew's profession as a tax collector is significant because it underscores the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption that are prominent throughout the Gospel.
The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible and is attributed to Matthew, also known as Levi, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Matthew was a tax collector before he was called by Jesus to follow Him. The Gospel of Matthew presents a unique perspective on the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus, written primarily for a Jewish audience.
The background of Matthew provides important context for understanding the themes, structure, and authorship of the Gospel. Matthew was a tax collector, which was a despised profession in ancient Jewish society. Tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman authorities and were often viewed as traitors to their own people. Despite his social status, Jesus called Matthew to be one of His disciples, demonstrating His inclusive and redemptive love for all people.
Matthew's profession as a tax collector is significant because it underscores the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption that are prominent throughout the Gospel. As a former tax collector, Matthew would have understood the importance of repentance and turning away from sin to follow Jesus. His own experience of being called by Jesus and experiencing His transformative power would have shaped his perspective on the message of salvation and grace that Jesus proclaimed.
The Gospel of Matthew is structured in a way that highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the continuity between the Old and New Covenants. Matthew frequently quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures and presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. The Gospel emphasizes Jesus' role as the Son of David and the Son of God, affirming His authority and divinity.
In addition to his focus on Jewish tradition and fulfillment of prophecy, Matthew also emphasizes the universal message of the Gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. The Gospel of Matthew ends with the Great Commission, in which Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This universal mission reflects Matthew's understanding of the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the invitation for all people to come to faith in Jesus.