Matthew Levi served as the apostolic fiscal agent and publicity spokesman, overseeing the budget, ensuring the treasury was replenished, and managing the financial aspects of the apostolic organization. [1] Jesus called Matthew Levi and dined with him and other sinners, proclaiming joy and spiritual liberty to all. [2] Matthew Levi was chased out of a Samaritan town with stones for informing villagers they were declining to entertain Jesus, the Holy One of Israel. [3]
Matthew Levi, the customs collector of Capernaum, was selected by Andrew and chosen to be the seventh apostle by Jesus, becoming a generous and dedicated follower of the gospel. [4]
Only John Zebedee was disposed to believe, even faintly, that Jesus had risen from the dead, but when David Zebedee dropped the bag in the lap of Matthew Levi, he knew the truth. [5]
The descendants of Matthew Levi, along with other early Palestinian Jews who embraced Jesus' gospel and died for it, are still persecuted by Christians today, a tragedy that horrifies celestial beings. [6]
Distracted on resurrection Sunday, Matthew was full of uncertainty about the future and the absence of an authoritative leader, until he encountered the Master himself. [7] Matthew's modest fortune was freely given to the work without the knowledge of the apostles, except for Jesus. [8]
Matthew Levi felt high nervous tension upon his entry into Jerusalem, initially nonplused by the pageant performance, but later becoming ecstatic as he realized the significance of the procession and the prophecy of Zechariah. [9]
Jesus’ admonitions to Matthew Levi focused on trusting in spiritual foundations, remaining steadfast in faith, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to all peoples. [10] Matthew Levi was killed by Jews at Lysimachia while spreading the gospel of the kingdom. [11]
Matthew Levi quietly and personally raised funds among devoted believers, giving his modest fortune to the work of the Master and apostles without openly soliciting from the masses. [12] Matthew Levi remained noncommittal on the plan to make Jesus king, amidst the growing enthusiasm and division among the apostles. [13]
Matthew Levi witnessed Jesus’ thirteenth appearance to the apostles at the shore in Bethsaida, where they caught 153 large fish and received instructions on serving and loving others. [14]
Matthew Levi was among the apostles who participated in the meeting at Pentecost, where more than two thousand souls were won over by an impassioned appeal delivered by Peter. [15]
Matthew was initially puzzled by the pageant performance but became ecstatic as the Master approached the temple, though later feeling depressed and exhausted, only to be cheered by morning as a cheerful loser. [16] Matthew Levi, the able apostle, possessed two natures: one calm like Andrew's and one fiery like James's, making him a skilled public orator. [17] Despite his past, Matthew excelled and earned the pride of his associates, eventually becoming known for his detailed notes on Jesus' teachings. [18]
Matthew Levi, the wealthy customs collector chosen as the seventh apostle by Andrew, was a skilled businessman with a talent for making friends and was married with four children at the age of 31 in A.D. 26. [19]
Matthew Levi, a publican, was taken in with overwhelming gratitude by Jesus and his apostles, despite initial objections from some, and eventually gave his whole fortune to the work of the Master. [20]
Judas' failure to overcome his suspicion and over-individualism ultimately led to his downfall, despite the positive influence of love, faith, and trust on his fellow apostles. [21] Despite his shortsighted materialism, Matthew Levi was wholeheartedly devoted to the cause and made great progress over time. [22]
Matthew Levi preached the gospel in Syria, Cappadocia, Galatia, Bithynia, and Thrace, journeying north and baptizing believers amidst persecutions. [23] Matthew Levi profitably liquidated his property at the behest of Jesus, demonstrating the Master's teachings on the wise and ethical use of wealth. [24] Questions of the meaning of Jesus' parables greatly perplexed the apostles and those with them as they walked towards the Gethsemane camp. [25]
Ruth, the eldest daughter of Matthew Levi, was among the ten women commissioned by Jesus for the ministering work of the kingdom, a daring and amazing announcement made on January 16. [26] Matthew Levi turned his customs office over to his brother to follow Jesus and the apostles to his house. [27] Matthew Levi's wife was a member of the women's corps led by Perpetua, laboring in the larger cities of Perea. [28]
The Apostle Matthew's extensive notes on the sayings of Jesus were used as the basis for the Gospel attributed to him, though the actual author was his disciple Isador, with the last copy being destroyed in A.D. 416. [29] Peter caught a fish with a shekel in its mouth, fulfilling Jesus' jest about paying tribute. [30]
The inclusion of Selta's apocrypha in the Gospel record caused confusion among the apostles, except for Apostle John, regarding the discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming, given by the Master on the Mount of Olives on a Tuesday evening. [31] Isador wrote the Gospel according to Matthew from the notes taken by Matthew Levi. [32]
Matthew Levi's narrative of Jesus' life transactions was greatly delayed due to Jesus' avoidance of leaving behind written records, as was the writing of the Gospels by the other apostles. [33]
Mark, Matthew, and Luke retain something of human Jesus in the superb struggle to ascertain and do the divine will, while John presents the triumphant Jesus walking in full consciousness of divinity. [34]
The Gospel of Matthew was written for Jewish Christians, portraying Jesus as fulfilling prophecies and showing great respect for the law and the prophets. [35]
See also: UB 139:7; UB 143:3.5; UB 144:1.7.