Matthew: Apostle, Witness, and Gospel Writer

 

 

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This study explores Matthew—also known as Levi—one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel of Matthew. It is designed to be completed in one focused sitting while grounding every section in Scripture. Matthew’s life and writing reveal the transforming grace of Jesus and the authority of His kingdom.

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1. Who Was Matthew?

Matthew, also called Levi, was a Jewish tax collector before following Jesus. Tax collectors were despised because they worked for the Roman government and often abused their position for financial gain. As a result, Matthew would have been considered socially outcast and spiritually unclean by many.

Jesus’ calling of Matthew demonstrates His authority to forgive sins and His mission to seek and save those who are spiritually lost. Matthew’s background highlights the radical grace of Christ.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:9–13; Mark 2:14

Reflection Questions:
• Why is Matthew’s background significant to Jesus’ calling?
• What does this reveal about who Jesus invites to follow Him?

Key Takeaway:
Jesus calls sinners, not the self-righteous, and transforms them for His purposes.

2. Matthew’s Call to Discipleship

Jesus called Matthew with a simple yet powerful command: “Follow Me.” In response, Matthew immediately left behind his former life and livelihood. This moment represents a decisive break from his old identity.

Matthew’s response illustrates true discipleship—faith that acts and obedience that costs something.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:27–28

Reflection Questions:
• What does Matthew’s immediate response teach about discipleship?
• What might obedience look like in your own life?

Key Takeaway:
Following Jesus requires decisive obedience rooted in faith.

3. Matthew as an Apostle

As one of the Twelve, Matthew was chosen by Jesus to bear witness to His life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were uniquely commissioned to establish the foundation of the Church.

Matthew’s apostolic role gives authority and credibility to his Gospel account.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 10:1–4; Acts 1:21–22

Reflection Questions:
• Why is eyewitness testimony essential to the gospel?
• How does apostolic authority shape Christian belief?

Key Takeaway:
The gospel is grounded in the authoritative testimony of Christ’s chosen witnesses.

4. Matthew the Gospel Writer

Matthew wrote his Gospel with a clear purpose: to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. Writing primarily to a Jewish audience, Matthew frequently quotes Scripture to demonstrate fulfillment of prophecy.

Matthew presents Jesus as King, Teacher, and Savior—revealing the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5–7

Reflection Questions:
• Why is fulfillment of prophecy central to Matthew’s message?
• How does Matthew uniquely portray Jesus?

Key Takeaway:
Jesus fulfills God’s promises and reigns as the rightful King.

5. Major Themes in Matthew’s Gospel

Matthew emphasizes themes such as the Kingdom of Heaven, righteousness, obedience, discipleship, and mission. His Gospel shows that faith in Christ leads to transformed living under God’s rule.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 4:17; Matthew 28:18–20

Reflection Questions:
• How does Matthew describe life in God’s Kingdom?
• What does true discipleship involve according to Jesus?

Key Takeaway:
Citizens of God’s Kingdom live transformed lives under Christ’s authority.

6. Matthew and Salvation

Matthew presents salvation as deliverance from sin through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is revealed as the One who saves His people and calls them to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 1:21; Matthew 16:24–26

Reflection Questions:
• How does Matthew connect repentance and faith?
• What does Jesus teach about the cost of salvation?

Key Takeaway:
Salvation involves both rescue from sin and allegiance to Christ.

7. The Great Commission

Matthew concludes his Gospel with Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. This commission flows directly from Christ’s authority and defines the mission of the Church.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:18–20

Reflection Questions:
• Why does Matthew end his Gospel with the Great Commission?
• How does this command shape the Church today?

Key Takeaway:
The mission of the Church is grounded in the authority of the risen Christ.

8. Matthew’s Legacy

Although Scripture gives few details about Matthew’s later life, his Gospel has profoundly shaped Christian theology and discipleship. Matthew’s obedience resulted in a lasting testimony to Christ.

Reflection Questions:
• How does Matthew’s life encourage hope for transformation?
• What legacy does faithful obedience leave behind?

Key Takeaway:
Faithful obedience leaves an enduring impact for God’s Kingdom.

Summary

Matthew’s life and Gospel present Jesus as the promised Messiah who calls sinners into faithful discipleship. From Matthew’s radical calling to his authoritative Gospel witness, his life testifies to the grace of Christ and the transforming power of obedience. Matthew reminds believers that salvation leads to mission, faithfulness, and a life lived under the reign of Jesus.