How Old Was Matthew When He Met Jesus?
The age of Matthew when he encountered Jesus is not explicitly stated in the canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The Bible doesn't provide a precise birthdate for Matthew, nor does it detail the exact year of his conversion. This leaves us with interpretive approaches and some educated guesses based on circumstantial evidence.
However, we can explore some possibilities and contextual clues to offer a reasonable estimation:
What the Gospels Tell Us About Matthew
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Occupation: Matthew is described as a tax collector (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). This occupation, working for the Roman authorities, often carried a certain social stigma among the Jewish population, particularly due to the Roman occupation and the perceived collaboration with oppressors.
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Call to Discipleship: The Gospels depict Matthew's encounter with Jesus as a pivotal moment of conversion. Jesus's simple invitation ("Follow me," Matthew 9:9) leads Matthew to immediately leave his tax collector's post and become one of Jesus's disciples. This implies a level of maturity and decision-making capacity.
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Role Among Disciples: Matthew, as one of the twelve apostles, held a significant position within Jesus's inner circle. His inclusion suggests he was someone deemed reliable, capable, and trusted. This suggests he was likely an adult, as such a role would require responsibility and established life skills.
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Author of the Gospel: Traditionally attributed to Matthew, the Gospel bearing his name showcases a level of theological understanding and sophistication. The author skillfully weaves together narratives, utilizes detailed financial terminology (consistent with a tax collector's background), and displays a thorough knowledge of Jewish law and customs. This suggests a level of education and life experience consistent with adulthood.
Estimating Matthew's Age: A Speculative Approach
Given the above points, it's highly improbable that Matthew was a young teenager when he encountered and followed Jesus. Most scholars suggest he was likely a young adult, perhaps in his twenties or thirties. This age range would allow for:
- Establishment of a profession: Working as a tax collector implies several years of experience, likely requiring some training or apprenticeship.
- Development of financial acumen: His detailed understanding of financial matters displayed in his Gospel suggests a level of maturity and practical experience.
- Sufficient life experience: The complexities of his theological insights and narrative structure in his Gospel support a level of life experience beyond adolescence.
Is There a Definitive Answer?
No, there is no definitive answer about Matthew's age at the time of his encounter with Jesus. The lack of explicit information within the biblical text leaves room for scholarly discussion and interpretation. However, based on his background, role within the group of disciples, and his Gospel's depth, a reasonable estimate places his age likely in young adulthood.
