How Old Was Matthew When He Met Jesus?

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Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, was a tax collector before he met Jesus. According to historical sources, it is believed that Matthew was in his 30s when he encountered Christ.

Matthew’s life changed drastically after his meeting with Jesus, becoming one of his devoted followers. The encounter with Jesus marked a turning point in Matthew’s life, leading him on a transformative path of discipleship.

Key Takeaways

  • Matthew, one of Jesus’ apostles, was a tax collector before encountering Jesus.
  • It is believed that Matthew was in his 30s when he met Jesus.
  • Matthew’s meeting with Jesus transformed his life, setting him on a new path of discipleship.
  • Matthew later wrote the first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew.
  • Matthew’s encounter with Jesus had a lasting impact on the world of Christianity.

Matthew’s Early Life and Background

Matthew, whose original name was Levi, was a tax collector before he encountered Jesus. He was born in Capernaum, a town located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. It is believed that Matthew was born around the same time as Jesus, making him around 30 years old when he met Christ.

As a tax collector, Matthew was often viewed as a collaborator with the occupying Roman authorities and despised by his fellow Jews. Despite this, Jesus approached Matthew and asked him to become his disciple, which dramatically changed the course of Matthew’s life.

Very little is known about Matthew’s family and upbringing. However, his profession as a tax collector suggests that his family was wealthy and well-connected.

Matthew’s Encounter with Jesus

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector who encountered Jesus at a pivotal moment in his life. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus saw him working at his tax booth and said, “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him without hesitation.

It is not explicitly stated in scripture what age Matthew was when he met Jesus, but based on historical context and scholarly research, it is believed that he was likely an adult at the time. Regardless of his age, the encounter with Jesus had a profound impact on Matthew’s life. He left his tax collecting and became a devoted follower of Christ, eventually becoming one of his twelve apostles.

“Matthew, called from his ordinary employment as a collector of taxes, was one of the twelve apostles, and for this reason is on the list of the holy, bright and illustrious Disciples. By nature, it would seem, he was quick in making money, but now is equally quick in spending it for God’s sake. And thus he became the host of the Lord and a fellow banqueter with Him, for in the future he received Him in his house.” – St. Cyril of Alexandria

Matthew’s encounter with Jesus marks the beginning of his journey as a disciple and servant of Christ. It set him on a path towards transformation and deepening his understanding of God’s love and mercy.

Transformation and Discipleship

Matthew’s meeting with Jesus at a young age brought about a transformative experience that led him on a journey of discipleship. He would become one of Jesus’ apostles and play a significant role in spreading Jesus’ teachings to others.

After his encounter with Jesus, Matthew left behind his previous life as a tax collector and followed Jesus, committing himself to his discipleship. He traveled with Jesus and the other apostles, learning from him and witnessing his teachings and miracles firsthand.

Matthew’s newfound faith and commitment to Jesus led him to play a crucial role in the ministry of Christ. He acted as a scribe, documenting Jesus’ teachings and speeches, and then went on to write the Gospel of Matthew, which has become one of the most significant books of the New Testament.

Matthew’s encounter with Jesus transformed his life and marked the beginning of a journey of discipleship that would shape the rest of his life. Through his dedication and commitment to spreading Jesus’ teachings, Matthew has left behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire believers around the world today.

Matthew’s Gospel

Following his encounter with Jesus, Matthew had a profound experience that prompted him to write the Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. This gospel, written in a Jewish style to appeal to Jewish readers, emphasises Jesus’ teachings and includes the famous Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew’s gospel also highlights the importance of faith, repentance, and forgiveness, and underscores Jesus’ role as the messiah and savior of the world.

Some scholars speculate that Matthew’s experience with Jesus may have influenced the themes and structure of his gospel, and that he may have drawn inspiration from his own transformational journey as a disciple.

Legacy and Impact

Matthew’s encounter with Jesus at a young age transformed his life and set him on a new path as one of Jesus’ apostles. However, his impact did not end there. The legacy of Matthew and his writings continue to shape Christianity to this day.

Matthew’s Gospel, which he wrote at an unknown age after his encounter with Jesus, remains an essential text for Christians worldwide. His writings provide a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, and his account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount remains a cornerstone of Christian faith.

However, Matthew’s impact extends beyond his writings. His meeting with Jesus and subsequent discipleship serve as a testament to the transformative power of a personal encounter with Christ. Matthew’s life and beliefs continue to inspire countless individuals around the world who strive to deepen their faith.

Overall, Matthew’s encounter with Jesus at a young age had a profound and lasting impact on his own life, the lives of his followers, and Christianity as a whole. His legacy as an apostle and evangelist continues to influence the worldwide Christian community today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the age at which Matthew met Jesus is not explicitly stated in the Bible. However, through exploring the known details about Matthew’s background and early life, it is believed that he was likely in his 20s or 30s.

The encounter with Jesus transformed Matthew’s life, setting him on a new path as one of Jesus’ apostles. He went on to write the first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew, which continues to inspire and guide countless believers today.

Matthew’s legacy is a testament to the profound impact that encountering Jesus can have on one’s life. His journey of discipleship serves as an example of the transformative power of faith and the importance of sharing the teachings of Jesus with others.

Overall, while the age at which Matthew met Jesus may be unknown, the significance of their encounter is undeniable. It serves as a reminder of the life-changing power of faith and the enduring impact of Jesus Christ on the world.

FAQ

How old was Matthew when he met Jesus?

The exact age of Matthew when he met Jesus is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, based on historical and biblical context, Matthew is believed to have been a relatively young man, possibly in his early thirties, when he encountered Jesus.

What age did Matthew meet Jesus?

While the Bible does not provide an exact age, it is widely believed that Matthew met Jesus during his early thirties. This meeting marked a significant turning point in Matthew’s life, leading him to become one of Jesus’ apostles and undertake a transformative journey of discipleship.

What was Matthew’s age when he met Jesus?

Although the Bible does not specify Matthew’s age at the time of meeting Jesus, historical and contextual evidence suggests that he was in his early thirties when the encounter took place. This encounter had a profound impact on Matthew’s life, leading him to dedicate himself to following Jesus and spreading his teachings.

How old was Matthew at his meeting with Jesus?

The precise age of Matthew at his meeting with Jesus is not explicitly mentioned in the biblical accounts. However, based on historical and cultural context, it is believed that Matthew was a relatively young man in his early thirties when he encountered Jesus and began his journey as one of his apostles.

What age did Matthew encounter Jesus?

While the Bible does not provide a specific age, it is widely believed that Matthew encountered Jesus in his early thirties. This life-changing encounter transformed Matthew’s path and led him to become one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples.

At what age did Matthew meet Jesus?

The exact age of Matthew when he met Jesus is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, it is believed that Matthew was a relatively young man in his early thirties at the time of this profound encounter. This meeting set Matthew on a new path as one of Jesus’ apostles and profoundly influenced his future and the spread of Christianity.

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