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Learn about Matthew, the man who went from being a despised tax collector to becoming one of the Apostles, through external and internal evidence supporting his transformation and contributions to the gospel. Discover the significant role he played and the challenges he faced in his journey.
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Matthew, the man • Know very little • “Gift of God • Son of Alphaeus • Galilean Jew • Became a Tax-collector
Matthew, the tax-collector • Israel under Rome • Roman taxation system • Two primary taxes • Roman Gov’t sold the rights to collect taxes • Profits gained by taxing more than they should • Tax-collectors were viewed as “the worst”
Matthew, the tax-collector • Hated & Despised • Extortionist & Traitor • Harsh interactions with fellow Jews • Wealthy • Kicked out
Matthew, the disciple • Called by Jesus • Matt 9:9-13 • 1 of 12 Apostles • Matt 10:3 • At Pentecost • Acts 1:13 • His Character – “Matthew, the tax-collector” • Cost him everything (Lk 19:2 vs 5:28)
Matthew-Internal Evidence • Most references to coins • Ability to write & keep records • Avoided references to tax-collectors • Downplays his own actions • 53 quotes from the OT
Matthew-External Evidence • Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch (a.d. 98-117) • Papias (c. 60-130) quoted by Eusebius (c. 260-340); Iranaeus (c. 130-200), & Origen (c. 185-254) • “Among the four gospels, which are the only indisputable ones in the Church of God under heaven, I have learned by tradition that the first was written by Matthew, who was once a publican, but afterwards an apostle of Jesus Christ, and it was prepared for the converts from Judaism” (Ecclesiastical History,6:25). Eusebius