Is Levi also known as Matthew in the New Testament?

In the New Testament, particularly within the Gospels, there is an intriguing character who appears to have two names: Levi and Matthew. This duality has sparked questions and discussions among scholars, theologians, and lay readers alike. To address the question, "Is Levi also known as Matthew in the New Testament?" we must delve into the scriptural accounts, historical context, and theological interpretations that shed light on this identity.

The Gospel of Matthew, one of the synoptic Gospels, begins with the calling of Matthew. In Matthew 9:9 (NIV), it is written: "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. 'Follow me,' he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him." This passage is straightforward in identifying the tax collector as Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

However, when we turn to the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the name Levi. In Mark 2:14 (NIV), the text states: "As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him." Similarly, in Luke 5:27-28 (NIV), we read: "After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him."

The parallel accounts in Mark and Luke describe the calling of Levi, who, like Matthew, is a tax collector. The occupation and the circumstances of the calling are nearly identical, prompting the conclusion that Levi and Matthew are indeed the same individual. This conclusion is further supported by the fact that in all three synoptic Gospels, the calling of this tax collector is followed by a banquet at his house, where Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners.

The question then arises: why the difference in names? One plausible explanation is the common practice of individuals in ancient times having multiple names or names that reflected different aspects of their identity. In Jewish culture, it was not unusual for a person to have both a Hebrew name and a Hellenistic or Roman name. Levi, a distinctly Jewish name, would have been his given name, while Matthew, meaning "gift of God" in Greek, could have been a name he adopted or was given, possibly reflecting his new life and mission as a follower of Christ.

This dual naming is not unique to Levi/Matthew. Another prominent example in the New Testament is Simon Peter, known as Simon before Jesus gave him the name Peter (John 1:42). Saul of Tarsus, who later becomes known as Paul, is another instance of a name change reflecting a significant transformation in life and mission (Acts 13:9). These changes often signify a deeper spiritual transformation or a new role within the early Christian community.

The role of Matthew as one of the twelve apostles is significant. As a tax collector, he would have been viewed with disdain by many Jews, as tax collectors were often seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and were notorious for corruption. Yet, Jesus’ calling of Matthew demonstrates the inclusive nature of His ministry and the transformative power of His message. It highlights the theme of redemption and the breaking down of societal barriers, a recurrent theme throughout the Gospels.

In the Gospel that bears his name, Matthew is traditionally credited as the author, although modern scholarship debates the direct authorship. This Gospel is particularly noted for its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and its focus on Jesus’ teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount. If Matthew the apostle is indeed the author, his background as a tax collector might have influenced his detailed and orderly presentation of Jesus’ teachings, reflecting skills he honed in his previous profession.

The identification of Levi as Matthew also has theological implications. It underscores the transformative power of Christ's call. Levi, a man defined by his profession and societal status, becomes Matthew, an apostle and evangelist. This transformation is emblematic of the new identity that believers receive in Christ. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Furthermore, the narrative of Levi/Matthew enriches the Gospel message by illustrating the inclusivity of Jesus’ mission. Jesus’ choice of a tax collector as one of His closest followers challenges the social norms of the time and invites readers to consider the boundless reach of divine grace. It speaks to the heart of the Gospel message that Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners, calling all to repentance and new life.

In summary, the evidence within the synoptic Gospels strongly supports the conclusion that Levi and Matthew are indeed the same person. This identification is consistent with the cultural context of the time and is supported by the thematic elements present in the Gospel narratives. Levi’s transformation into Matthew, an apostle of Christ, serves as a powerful testament to the redemptive and transformative nature of Jesus’ ministry. It invites readers to reflect on their own identities and the transformative power of faith in their lives.