Matthew Coleman - Exploring An Ancient Story
Sometimes, when we look into old writings, we find stories that truly stand out, offering a glimpse into times long past. These stories, you know, they hold messages that can feel surprisingly close to our own experiences, even after many, many years. It's almost like they were written just for us, giving us a way to think about our own lives and the world around us. The way these ancient words are put together, they can bring a really old message right into your daily world, which is pretty neat when you think about it. So, too, these kinds of historical accounts can offer a fresh way to look at things, providing a different angle on life's bigger questions, which is, honestly, a pretty cool thing to consider.
The material we're looking at here, actually, it gives us a window into a very specific and important historical figure named Matthew, who plays a big part in some foundational stories. This figure, often referred to as an apostle, was someone quite central to early accounts of a significant movement. We're going to talk about him, really, through the lens of the information provided, which, in a way, helps us connect with the past.
So, we'll be pulling details directly from the provided text to paint a picture of this historical Matthew. This isn't about creating new stories, you see, but rather about bringing to life the details already there, giving them a more conversational feel. It's about exploring what the text tells us about this person, his writings, and his role in history, which, quite simply, is what we're here to do.
Table of Contents
- Who was Matthew Coleman?
- What Did Matthew Coleman Do?
- How Did Matthew Coleman's Calling Happen?
- What Was Matthew Coleman's Key Message?
- What is in Matthew Coleman's Writings?
- How Does Matthew Coleman's Story Connect With Us Today?
- What Do We Know About Matthew Coleman's Background?
- Where Can We Learn More About Matthew Coleman?
Who was Matthew Coleman?
When we talk about the figure known as Matthew in this context, drawing from the provided writings, we are looking at someone who was a very significant person in ancient history. He was, actually, one of the twelve close companions of a central figure named Jesus. This particular Matthew, you know, is often thought of as an apostle, a special messenger, which, in some respects, made his role quite important.
According to what people have believed for a very long time, Christian traditions hold that he was also one of the four people who wrote down the story of Jesus's life, specifically being the author of the Gospel of Matthew. So, in a way, he was a storyteller for a huge group of people, and that's a pretty big deal. This means he was also considered an evangelist, someone who shared good news, which, you know, is a very important role in those historical accounts.
This Matthew, the one we are discussing here, lived and worked in a place called Palestine during the first century CE. His story is deeply tied to that specific time and location. People who follow Western traditions remember him on September 21st, while those who follow Eastern traditions remember him on November 16th. These dates, honestly, are like special days to think about his life and what he meant to many people, which is quite interesting.
Personal Details for Matthew Coleman (as per provided text)
| Common Names | Matthew, Saint Matthew, Levi |
| Primary Role | One of the twelve apostles/disciples of Jesus Christ |
| Traditional Occupation (before calling) | Tax collector (publican) |
| Traditional Author Of | The Gospel of Matthew (first of the four Gospels, first book of the New Testament, fortieth book of the Bible) |
| Period of Activity | 1st century CE |
| Geographic Setting | Palestine |
| Western Feast Day | September 21 |
| Eastern Feast Day | November 16 |
What Did Matthew Coleman Do?
The text tells us that Matthew, the person we are focusing on, had a main goal when he wrote his book. His big aim, really, was to show his Jewish readers that Jesus was the long-awaited leader they had been hoping for, the Messiah. He wanted to make it very clear, you know, that Jesus fit all the descriptions and expectations. This was, in some respects, a very important message for his audience, and he set out to prove it with great care.
He did this mostly by pointing out how Jesus, throughout his life and the things he taught and did, actually fulfilled what was written in the older scriptures, the Old Testament. It was like he was saying, "Look, everything that was foretold, it happened exactly as it should with Jesus." This was, apparently, his primary method for convincing people, connecting the dots between ancient prophecies and Jesus's actions, which is a pretty powerful way to make a point.
The writings connected to Matthew, you see, start with a record of Jesus Christ's family tree. It traces back his family line all the way to a very important figure named Abraham, and also shows his connection to King David. This opening, in a way, immediately sets the stage for his main argument, showing Jesus's rightful place in a long line of significant people. It's quite a detailed beginning, really, establishing a strong historical link.
The book also mentions that a man named Jacob was the father of Joseph, who was the husband of Mary. And, of course, it was Mary who gave birth to Jesus, who is also known as Christ. So, it lays out the family connections pretty clearly, which, you know, is a very important part of the story for many people. This kind of detail helps to build the historical framework for the narrative, making it, in some respects, quite grounded.
How Did Matthew Coleman's Calling Happen?
The story of how Matthew came to follow Jesus is, actually, quite striking. Jesus simply told him, "Come with me," and Matthew, without much hesitation, got up and followed him. It's a very direct and powerful moment, showing a clear decision to change his life. This was, apparently, a pivotal point for him, marking a definite shift in his path, which is pretty amazing to think about.
Now, when Jesus asked Matthew to come along, Matthew was working as a tax collector. This job, you know, was one of the most disliked professions in ancient Jewish society. People who collected taxes were often seen as collaborators with the ruling powers and were, honestly, not very popular at all. So, for Jesus to call someone from such a background, it was, in a way, quite a surprising choice, and it really shows something about Jesus's approach.
Very little is known about Matthew's life before this moment, or even much about his personal background beyond his job. The text doesn't give us a lot of extra details about him as a person outside of his role as an apostle. So, in some respects, his calling is even more striking because we don't have a lot of other information to go on, which, you know, makes that moment stand out even more.
What Was Matthew Coleman's Key Message?
The church that formed around Matthew's teachings, originally, was quite focused on Jewish Christians. But over time, it seems, Christians who were not Jewish became the bigger group within it. This change, you know, is pretty significant, showing how the early Christian movement grew and changed over time. It means the message, in a way, reached a much wider audience, which is quite interesting to consider.
His gospel, the book he wrote, really tries to answer a big question: how does one live a life that aligns with what God wants? It's about showing people the way to live, you know, in a manner that pleases a higher power. This focus on doing what is right, honestly, is a very central part of his writings, giving guidance for how to conduct one's life, which, in some respects, is a timeless theme.
What is in Matthew Coleman's Writings?
The book traditionally linked to Matthew is a very important part of religious texts. It's the first book you'll find among the four Gospels, which are the main stories about Jesus's life. It's also the very first book in what's known as the New Testament, which is a major part of the Christian Bible. And, in the whole Bible, it holds the spot as the fortieth book, which, you know, gives you a sense of its place in the larger collection.
The idea that Matthew, the disciple, wrote this book is based on things found inside the book itself and also on what people have believed for a very long time. So, it's not just a random guess; there's some evidence for it, both from the text and from long-standing beliefs. This makes the connection pretty strong, in a way, giving confidence to those who study these ancient writings.
Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve apostles, put together this first gospel. This idea has been consistently held true by church traditions for centuries, and the things written in the gospel itself actually support this belief. So, it's a very well-established idea, you see, that he was indeed the one who penned these important words, which is, honestly, a pretty firm historical claim.
You can even find and read the book of Matthew online, which is pretty convenient these days. It comes with its scripture chapters and verses, and you can often find a full summary, along with explanations of its meaning. There are also tools called concordances for studying the Bible, which can help you look up specific words and topics. So, in some respects, it's very accessible for anyone who wants to learn more, which is great.
The way the Gospel according to Matthew is placed as the first of the four gospels in the New Testament actually shows a long-held belief that it was the first one to be written down. This placement, you know, isn't just random; it reflects a historical view about its early creation. It's like it set the stage for the others, which is, honestly, quite a significant detail for those who study these texts.
Matthew's gospel, along with the gospels written by Luke, John, and Mark, is considered to be a history that is truly inspired and, therefore, accurate and truthful. This means, in a way, that many people believe these accounts give a very real and honest look at the past. They are seen as reliable records, which, you know, is a very important quality for historical documents.
Matthew starts his story of Jesus Christ's life by giving a record of Jesus's family line, going all the way back to an important figure named Abraham. This beginning, actually, is quite deliberate, setting up the historical background for everything that follows. It shows, in some respects, the deep roots of Jesus's story, which is a very traditional way to begin such an important account.
Most people who study the New Testament very closely believe that the Gospel of Matthew was indeed written by him. This is a widely accepted idea among scholars, you see, based on their careful examination of the text and historical records. So, it's not just a casual thought; it's a conclusion reached by many who dedicate their time to these ancient writings, which is, honestly, a pretty strong consensus.
How Does Matthew Coleman's Story Connect With Us Today?
The writings connected to Matthew, you know, offer a very clear way to bring an old message into our current lives. They are put together in a way that helps people understand what these ancient stories might mean for them right now. So, in a way, it's about making history feel relevant, which is pretty important for many people who look to these texts for guidance.
When crowds of people saw the things Jesus did, they were filled with a deep sense of wonder and gave praise to God. They were amazed that such power was given to people. This reaction, honestly, shows how powerful these events were for those who saw them. It's a reminder that, in some respects, stories of great authority and wonder can deeply affect groups of people, which is quite a profound observation.
The information we have about Matthew, the apostle, also known as Saint Matthew and Levi, shows he was one of the twelve close followers of Jesus Christ. This identity, you see, places him right at the heart of the earliest days of a very significant movement. He is, apparently, traditionally seen as the one who wrote the Gospel of Matthew, making him a key voice from that period, which is, honestly, a very important role.
What Do We Know About Matthew Coleman's Background?
The text tells us that Matthew, the figure we are exploring, was active during the first century CE, and his work was centered in the area known as Palestine. This gives us a very specific time and place for his activities, helping us to put his story into a historical setting. So, in a way, we can picture where and when these important events unfolded, which is pretty helpful for understanding his life.
Before he was called to follow Jesus, Matthew had a job that, honestly, wasn't very popular. He was a tax collector, or a "publican," as they were called. This was one of the jobs that people disliked the most in ancient Jewish society. Tax collectors were often seen as working for the Roman authorities and taking too much money, so they were, in some respects, quite looked down upon by their own people. This detail, you know, really highlights the kind of person Jesus chose to be one of his close companions, which is quite surprising to many.
Very little specific information is given about Matthew's personal life or his activities beyond his role as an apostle. The provided text doesn't go into great detail about his family, his early years, or what he did after the events described. So, in a way, his story is mostly about his calling and his writings, which is, apparently, how he is best remembered through these ancient accounts.
Where Can We Learn More About Matthew Coleman?
For anyone wanting to learn more about the ancient stories connected to Matthew, there are many ways to do so. The NIV Application Bible, for instance, is built from a series of commentaries that aim to bring the Bible's old messages right into your own world. It's a resource that, in some respects, helps bridge the gap between ancient texts and modern life, which is pretty useful for many people.
The text itself mentions that you can read the book of Matthew online. These online versions often come with the scripture broken down into chapters and verses, making it easy to find specific parts. They also usually provide full summaries, along with explanations of what the passages mean, and tools like concordances for deeper study. So, you know, it's very accessible for anyone interested in exploring these writings further, which is, honestly, a great way to get started.
The Gospel according to Matthew holds a special place as the first of the four gospels in the New Testament. This position, apparently, reflects the long-held belief that it was the first one to be written. Understanding this placement can help you see why it's often the starting point for many who begin reading the New Testament. It's a foundational text, in a way, that sets the tone for much of what follows.
Matthew, as a figure in the Bible, was one of Jesus's close followers, his disciples. His gospel, along with the gospels of Luke, John, and Mark, is considered to be a history that is truly inspired and, therefore, accurate and truthful. This means, in some respects, that these accounts are viewed as reliable historical records for those who believe in their origins. They offer a genuine look at the life and teachings of Jesus, which is, honestly, a very important aspect for many readers.
Matthew starts his account of Jesus Christ's life by tracing Jesus's family tree all the way back to Abraham, a very important figure from much older times. This detailed beginning, you know, provides a strong historical and genealogical foundation for the entire narrative. It's a way of showing Jesus's heritage and his connection to long-standing traditions, which is, apparently, a common practice in ancient writings to establish authority.
Most New Testament scholars, people who study these ancient texts very closely, believe that the Gospel of Matthew was indeed written by him. This is a widely accepted idea among them, based on their careful examination of the text itself and other historical evidence. So, it's a conclusion that has a lot of support from those who are experts in this field, which, in some respects, adds weight to the traditional view.
This article has explored the historical figure of Matthew, drawing directly from the provided text. We looked at his role as one of Jesus's twelve apostles, his former life as a tax collector, and his traditional authorship of the Gospel
Apostle and Evangelist Matthew - Orthodox Church in America
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Meet Matthew the Apostle, Tax Collector, Gospel Writer
Book of Matthew History
