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.
What does Matthew 9:9 mean?
Matthew was in his calling, as the rest of those whom Christ called. As Satan comes with his temptations to the idle, so Christ comes with his calls to those who are employed.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside its immediate passage and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Matthew 9:9
And he arose, and followed him. He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom - That is, at the place where "custom," or "tribute," was received; or, in other words, he was a "publican" or tax-gatherer. See the notes at Matthew 5:47 . This man was the writer of this gospel. The same account is found in Mark 2:14 , and Luke 5:27-28 . Both those evangelists call him "Levi.
Key words
- Jesus
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And as Jesus passed forth from thence,.
- passed
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And as Jesus passed forth from thence,.
- forth
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And as Jesus passed forth from thence,.
Context in Matthew 9
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Matthew 9 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as ministry and teaching blocks. Matthew presents Jesus as Davidic Messiah, new Moses, teacher of the kingdom, suffering Son of Man, and risen Lord who commissions the nations. Read this chapter with the wider themes of fulfillment, kingdom of heaven, and discipleship in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on peace with God, peace in the heart, peace in community, and the biblical difference between true peace and false reassurance.
Glossary
- Matthew Person
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Gift of God, a common Jewish name after the Exile. He was the son of Alphaeus, and was a publican or tax-gatherer at Capernaum.