Matthew — a gift of God — was a tax collector, one of the most despised men in his town, when Jesus passed by and said simply, follow me. And he arose, and followed him, leaving his booth behind and throwing a feast for his new Master. From that table Jesus said, I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Matthew went on to write the first Gospel, the one that most carefully shows Jesus as the promised King of Israel. His life is proof that no one is beyond the call of grace.
Matthew is a timeless favourite — friendly, steady, and warmly shortened to Matt.
Variants & nicknames
Matt, Mateo, Matthias, Matteo
Matthew in the Bible
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.