ACC ~ Matthew 9 v9

SITTING AT THE TAX OFFICE

CHRYSOSTOM: Why did Jesus not call Matthew at the same time as he called Peter and John and the rest? He came to each one at a particular time when he knew that they would respond to him. He came at a different time to call Matthew when he was assured that Matthew would surrender to his call. Similarly, he called Paul at a different time when he was vulnerable, after the resurrection, something like a hunter going after his quarry. For he who is acquainted with our inmost hearts and knows the secrets of our minds knows when each one of us is ready to respond fully. Therefore he did not call them all together at the beginning, when Matthew was still in a hardened condition. Rather, only after countless miracles, after his fame was spread abroad, did he call Matthew. He knew Matthew had been softened for full responsiveness.

We may admire, incidentally, the self-effacing temperament of Matthew, for we note how he does not disguise his own former life. In his account he freely adds his own name and his own bad profession, while the other Gospel writers had generously protected him under another name. [1] But why did Matthew himself indicate precisely that he was “sitting at the tax office”? To point to the power of the One who called him, underscoring that he was being actively drawn away from the midst of the very evils in which he was presently engaged and that he had not already abandoned his wicked business as a tax gatherer. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 30.1. [2]

[1] Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27.

[2] PG 57:361-62; NPNF 1 10:198-99**.

CHANGED FROM PUBLICAN TO APOSTLE

JEROME: Out of respect and deference, the other Evangelists were unwilling to call him by the common name of Matthew but said Levi. [1] So Matthew went by a double name in accordance with what Solomon noted: “An accuser is righteous at the beginning of his words.” And in another place: “Tell your sins, and you will be justified.” [2] Matthew also calls himself a publican to show his readers that no one must despair of salvation if he has changed for the better, for he was suddenly changed from a publican to an apostle. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 1.9.9. [3]

[1] In parallel passages in Mark (Mk 2:14) and Luke (Lk 5:27), the person addressed by Jesus is called Levi. The explanation provided here by Jerome—that the person had two names—is the one usually proposed by the ancient exegetes and is accepted by many modern scholars.

[2] Is 43:26.

[3] CCL 77:55.

HE DID NOT DELAY

CHROMATIUS: The Lord, about to give salvation to all sinners believing in him, willingly chose Matthew the former publican. The gift of his esteem for Matthew stands as an example for our salvation. Every sinner must be chosen by God and can receive the grace of eternal salvation if one is not without a religious mind and a devout heart. So Matthew was chosen willingly by God. And though he is immersed in worldly affairs, because of his sincere religious devotion he is judged worthy to be called forth by the Lord (“Follow me”), who by virtue of his divine nature knows the hidden recesses of the heart. From what follows, we know that Matthew was accepted by the Lord not by reason of his status but of his faith and devotion. As soon as the Lord says to him, “Follow me,” he does not linger or delay, but thereupon “he arose and followed him.” TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 45.1. [1]

[1] CCL 9a:417.