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 1 of 12 Apostles 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