Matthew (Levi) in the Bible — The Tax Collector Who Wrote the Gospel

Matthew (also called Levi) was a tax collector. Jesus walked past his tax booth and said: 'Follow me.' Matthew rose and followed immediately. His first act was to throw a dinner party — inviting his tax collector friends to meet Jesus. The religious leaders complained: 'Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?' Jesus's answer: 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' Matthew went on to write the first of the four Gospels. Below are 6 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about matthew (levi)?

Who is Matthew in the Bible? A tax collector — despised as a Roman collaborator — who was called by Jesus with two words: 'Follow me.' He rose, left everything, hosted a dinner for sinners, and became one of the Twelve who gave us the first Gospel.

6 Bible Verses About Matthew (levi) (KJV)

“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.”

Matthew 9:9 KJV Read Matthew chapter 9 →

“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.”

Matthew 9:10 KJV Read Matthew chapter 9 →

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.”

Matthew 9:12 KJV Read Matthew chapter 9 →

“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Matthew 9:13 KJV Read Matthew chapter 9 →

“And he left all, rose up, and followed him.”

Luke 5:28 KJV — Let Justice Roll Like a River Read Luke chapter 5 →

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

Matthew 28:19 KJV Read Matthew chapter 28 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew (levi) in the Bible

What does the Bible say about matthew (levi)?
Matthew (also called Levi) was a tax collector. Jesus walked past his tax booth and said: 'Follow me.' Matthew rose and followed immediately. His first act was to throw a dinner party — inviting his tax collector friends to meet Jesus. The religious leaders complained: 'Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?' Jesus's answer: 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' Matthew went on to write the first of the four Gospels. Key KJV passages: Matthew 9:9, Matthew 9:10, Matthew 9:12, Matthew 9:13, Luke 5:28.
What are the best Bible verses about matthew (levi)?
The most important KJV passages on matthew (levi) include: Matthew 9:9, Matthew 9:10, Matthew 9:12, Matthew 9:13, Luke 5:28. Read all 6 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about matthew (levi)?
The Bible addresses matthew (levi) throughout both Testaments. Key references include Matthew 9:9, Matthew 9:10, Matthew 9:12, Matthew 9:13, Luke 5:28, Matthew 28:19. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about matthew (levi)?
New Testament scriptures on matthew (levi): Matthew 9:9, Matthew 9:10, Matthew 9:12, Matthew 9:13. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about matthew (levi)?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 6 passages on matthew (levi) at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.