When you think of Matthew Perry young, chances are you're picturing the actor from Friends. But did you know there’s another Matthew Perry—one who lived centuries ago and whose words shaped a cornerstone of the Christian faith? That’s right, long before the sitcoms and red-carpet moments, there was Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi, who authored one of the most important books in the New Testament. So, if you’re curious about Matthew Perry young and stumbled into this ancient story, stick around. You might find yourself surprised by what you learn.

For those searching about Matthew Perry young, especially when it comes to biblical figures, there’s often a mix-up between the modern celebrity and the historical figure. In this post, we’re diving into the life of Matthew the Apostle—the “Matthew” who lived in the 1st century and walked alongside Jesus. You’ll get a clear picture of who he was, why his gospel still matters today, and how his life as a tax collector turned follower of Christ became a powerful example for believers everywhere.

Whether you're a student of history, a person of faith, or just plain curious, this piece will help you understand Matthew’s role in the Bible and how his legacy lives on. So, let’s start breaking things down, starting with a quick look at his early life and how he first met Jesus.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Matthew the Apostle
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• The Gospel of Matthew: What It Contains
• Historical Context: Tax Collector to Disciple
• Legacy and Influence Through the Ages
• FAQs About Matthew in the Bible

Biography of Matthew the Apostle

Matthew the Apostle was one of the twelve original followers of Jesus Christ. He’s also known by another name: Levi. Before becoming a disciple, Matthew worked as a tax collector, a job that made him deeply unpopular among his fellow Jews. Back then, tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman Empire, and many used their position to overcharge people for personal gain.

So, it's kind of ironic that Jesus chose a man like Matthew to be one of His closest companions. But that’s exactly what happened. One day, while Matthew was sitting at his tax booth, Jesus walked up and said, “Follow me.” And just like that, Matthew left everything behind—his job, his money, and his reputation—to walk with Jesus. That moment is recorded in Matthew 9:9, and it’s one of the most powerful examples of grace and transformation in the Bible.

From that point on, Matthew became not just a follower, but a writer. He’s traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the very first book in the New Testament. This gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience and shows how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah.

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Personal Details and Bio Data

Let’s take a quick look at who Matthew was, based on what the Bible and historical traditions tell us.

The Gospel of Matthew: What It Contains

The Gospel of Matthew is more than just a biography of Jesus—it’s a carefully crafted message meant to show how Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Jewish people. The book starts with a detailed genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, proving His rightful place as the Savior promised long ago.

Matthew’s gospel includes many of Jesus’ most famous teachings, like the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), and emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven more than any other gospel. It’s full of parables, miracles, and teachings that have shaped Christian belief for centuries.

One of the key themes in Matthew’s gospel is fulfillment—how every part of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. That’s why you’ll often see phrases like “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…” throughout the book.

Read the book of Matthew online or in your Bible, and you’ll find a rich account of Jesus’ life that’s both theological and practical. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking to understand the basics of Christianity and the identity of Jesus as the Messiah.

Historical Context: Tax Collector to Disciple

Being a tax collector in ancient Palestine wasn’t exactly a respected job. Tax collectors were often seen as corrupt and greedy because they worked for the Romans and sometimes overcharged their own people. So when Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, it was a big deal.

Matthew’s response was immediate—he left his booth and started walking with Jesus. Later, he even hosted a dinner where Jesus ate with other tax collectors and sinners, which caused quite a stir among the religious leaders of the time. This story teaches us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Matthew’s background might have made him an unlikely candidate for a disciple, but it also gave him a unique perspective. As someone who had been rejected by society, he could relate to the idea of redemption. And as a former tax collector, he was likely educated and able to write—skills that probably helped him compose his gospel.

Legacy and Influence Through the Ages

Matthew’s gospel has had a huge influence on Christian theology and practice. As the first book of the New Testament, it sets the stage for everything that follows. It’s been studied, memorized, and preached on for centuries, helping people come to faith and grow in their understanding of Jesus.

Tradition holds that after Jesus’ resurrection, Matthew went on to spread the gospel in places like Ethiopia or Persia, depending on which tradition you follow. Though we don’t have detailed historical records about his later life, his writings have stood the test of time.

His gospel was likely written between 70 and 100 AD, and it was widely accepted in the early church. Early Christian writers like Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria credited Matthew with authoring the gospel that bears his name. While some modern scholars debate the exact authorship, most agree that the gospel reflects the teachings and life of Jesus as remembered by His early followers.

So even if we don’t know every detail about Matthew’s life after Jesus, we do know this: his words have shaped the faith of millions. That’s a pretty powerful legacy for a former tax collector.

FAQs About Matthew in the Bible

Here are some commonly asked questions about Matthew the Apostle and his gospel:

Who was Matthew in the Bible?

Matthew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and a former tax collector. He is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book in the New Testament. His gospel focuses on showing how Jesus fulfilled Jewish prophecy and is the long-awaited Messiah.

Was Matthew also called Levi?

Yes, Matthew is also referred to as Levi in some parts of the Bible. In Mark 2:14, the tax collector called by Jesus is named Levi, and in Matthew 9:9, he’s called Matthew. Most scholars believe they are the same person, though we can’t be 100% certain. What we do know is that he was a tax collector who gave up everything to follow Jesus.

What happened to Matthew after Jesus’ resurrection?

After Jesus rose from the dead, He commissioned His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew was part of that group. Tradition says he traveled to preach the gospel, possibly in Ethiopia or Persia, and that he was eventually martyred for his faith. However, we don’t have definitive historical records about his later life or death.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a closer look at Matthew the Apostle, the real "Matthew Perry young" of biblical times. He may not have been a Hollywood star, but his impact has lasted far longer than any movie or TV show ever could.

From his humble beginnings as a tax collector to his transformation into a devoted follower of Jesus, Matthew’s story is one of grace, purpose, and legacy. His gospel continues to be read and studied by millions, proving that the words of a former outcast can still speak powerfully today.

If you want to learn more about the people in the Bible and how their lives shaped the Christian faith, check out our other articles. You can also read the Gospel of Matthew for yourself to see what all the fuss is about.

Learn more about the apostles of Jesus on our site, and link to this page to share what you’ve learned with others.