The name Matthew means “gift of God” in Hebrew. In the New Testament, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles and the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
Scripture
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Meaning of Matthew in the Bible
The name Matthew, derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu, translates to “gift of God.” This significance is reflective of God’s role in bestowing grace and calling individuals for divine purposes, as seen throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 9:9, we see Jesus calling Matthew, who was a tax collector, to follow Him. This act of calling a seemingly lowly and despised figure highlights the theme of redemption and how God’s grace extends to all, regardless of their past or societal standing. Matthew’s transformation from a tax collector to an apostle demonstrates the transformative power of God’s gift—His ability to take a life that may seem lost and make it a tool for His kingdom.
Furthermore, the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the teachings of Jesus, and within its sacred pages, Matthew serves as a conduit for the teachings and actions of Christ. For instance, in Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount encapsulates profound ethical and spiritual teachings that guide believers towards a deeper relationship with God. By naming this Gospel after Matthew, it also serves as a reminder of the blessing and responsibility that comes with receiving God’s gifts; those who are called, like Matthew, are tasked with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the meaning of Matthew’s name embodies the overarching biblical narrative of grace, calling, and the divine purpose found in responding to God’s gift of salvation and service.
The significance of the name Matthew, embodying the idea of being a “gift of God,” also intersects with the broader biblical theme of divine purpose and appointment. Throughout the Gospel accounts, we find that God often chooses individuals whose lives reflect His mercy and the profound capacity for change. Matthew’s own background as a tax collector spotlights the often-overlooked notion that God’s gifts are bestowed not based on merit or societal norms but rather on His sovereign will. This underscores a recurrent biblical principle that God’s purpose for humanity transcends human expectations; those deemed least worthy can be vessels of His grace.
Moreover, Matthew’s role as an Evangelist solidifies the significance of his name within the context of the mission of the Church. Through the Synoptic Gospels, we observe how each writer’s unique perspective contributes to the broader narrative of Christ’s life and teachings, with Matthew’s account particularly emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This connection reinforces the idea that Matthew, a “gift of God,” is also pivotal in communicating God’s overarching plan for salvation through Jesus, thus serving both as an evangelist and a bridge linking Jewish heritage to the early Christian faith. In this light, Matthew’s name and his calling invite believers to embrace their own identities as gifts and to recognize their potential to participate in God’s mission—transforming lives and sharing the message of hope and redemption with others.
Divine Gift and Grace
The name Matthew is derived from the Hebrew name “Matityahu,” which means “gift of Yahweh” or “gift of God.” This reflects a broader theological theme in the Bible where individuals are often seen as gifts from God to their families and communities. The significance of being a “gift” emphasizes the idea of divine providence and the blessings that come from God, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing these gifts in our lives.
Transformation and Redemption
Matthew’s journey from a tax collector to one of Jesus’ apostles symbolizes the transformative power of grace and redemption. His calling illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, and it serves as a reminder that individuals can change their paths and fulfill a higher purpose. This broader meaning encourages believers to embrace the possibility of transformation in their own lives and to extend grace to others, reflecting the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry.
Witness and Testimony
As the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the name also carries the connotation of being a witness to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This aspect underscores the importance of sharing one’s faith and experiences with others. The act of bearing witness is a central theme in the Christian faith, encouraging believers to testify to the goodness of God and the impact of His grace in their lives, thus fostering a community of faith and support.
How to Embrace God’s Gift for a Fulfilling Christian Life
Embracing God’s gift for a fulfilling Christian life begins with recognizing that His grace is freely given, not earned. It’s about opening your heart to the transformative power of His love and allowing it to shape your daily actions and interactions. Start by immersing yourself in prayer and scripture, which serve as the foundation for understanding His will and purpose for you. Reflect on the unique talents and passions He has bestowed upon you, and consider how you can use them to serve others and glorify Him. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you in your faith journey, and don’t shy away from sharing your struggles and victories. Remember, a fulfilling Christian life is not about perfection but about progress—growing closer to God and becoming more like Christ each day. Embrace the journey, and trust that every step you take in faith is a step toward the abundant life He promises.
Bible References to the Name Matthew:
Matthew 10:1-4: 1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Mark 2:13-17: 13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them.
14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Luke 5:27-32: 27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.”
28 And he left everything, and rose and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.
30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
Luke 6:12-16: 12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:
14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,
15 Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,
16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Acts 1:12-14: 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.
14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.