When we hear the name Matthew Perry, some might think of the beloved actor from Friends, but there’s another Matthew—one from centuries ago—who played a huge role in shaping the Christian faith. Yep, we're talking about Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi, and if you're curious about "Matthew Perry young," you're probably mixing up two different Matthews. Either way, you're in the right place.

So, who exactly was Matthew in the Bible? And how does he connect to the idea of “young” or early life? Well, Matthew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Before following Christ, he was a tax collector—a job most people really didn’t like back then. But here's the cool part: Jesus chose him anyway, showing that no one is beyond redemption. This story has inspired people for generations, and even today, many still look up to Matthew as a symbol of change and faith.

If you're reading this, you might be wondering why the term “Matthew Perry young” keeps popping up in searches. Could it be about a modern-day figure? Or is it a confusion between two famous Matthews? Either way, let’s break it down and explore the roots, the life, and the legacy of Matthew the Apostle—the “young” version of him, so to speak.

• Jaimie Alexander

Table of Contents

1. Biography of Matthew the Apostle
2. Early Life and Background
3. The Calling by Christ
4. Matthew’s Role in the Bible
5. Authorship of the Gospel of Matthew
6. Legacy and Influence Today
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Biography of Matthew the Apostle

Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He’s best remembered for writing the Gospel of Matthew, which starts with the genealogy of Jesus. Not much is known about his early years, but we do know he was a tax collector before becoming a follower of Jesus. That’s a pretty big deal because tax collectors were seen as traitors by the Jewish community—they worked for the Romans and often took more money than they should have.

Early Life and Background

Matthew came from a small town in Galilee, and like many young men of his time, he probably grew up with big dreams. But instead of becoming a carpenter or a fisherman, he became a tax collector. That job made him pretty unpopular. People saw tax collectors as greedy and corrupt, working for the Roman government that ruled over them. Still, Matthew did his job, probably thinking that’s the only life he’d ever know.

But then something changed. Jesus came walking by and said, “Follow me.” And Matthew, who was sitting at his tax booth, got up and followed Him. That’s a pretty big moment. He left behind his job, his income, and probably even some friends to follow a wandering preacher. That took guts—and faith. So if you’re thinking about “Matthew Perry young,” you could say the real Matthew was a young man with a past, looking for a future.

• Paula Scanlan

The Calling by Christ

So, why did Jesus choose Matthew? That’s a question people have asked for centuries. Matthew himself recorded this moment in his Gospel, and he didn’t hide the fact that he was a tax collector. In fact, he included a story where Jesus goes to Matthew’s house and eats with other tax collectors and sinners. Some religious leaders were upset about that. But Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

That’s a powerful message. It shows that Jesus didn’t care about someone’s past. He saw potential, and He saw hearts that were ready to change. So when we talk about Matthew Perry young, we’re really talking about a young man who was given a second chance—and he ran with it.

Matthew’s Role in the Bible

After becoming a disciple, Matthew followed Jesus everywhere. He heard His teachings, saw His miracles, and was even part of the inner circle of the twelve. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Matthew became a missionary. Some traditions say he traveled to places like Ethiopia or Persia to spread the Gospel. Others believe he stayed in Israel and wrote his famous Gospel.

What’s clear is that Matthew played a crucial role in early Christianity. He was one of the few people who actually knew Jesus in person. His Gospel became one of the most important books in the New Testament. And even though he didn’t write much about himself, he gave the world a detailed account of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection.

Authorship of the Gospel of Matthew

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Gospel of Matthew starts with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His ancestry all the way back to Abraham. It also includes major teachings like the Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission. Scholars have debated whether Matthew the Apostle actually wrote it, but most early Christian traditions say he did.

The Gospel was written mostly for a Jewish audience, which makes sense if Matthew was a Jew himself. He often refers to Old Testament prophecies and shows how Jesus fulfilled them. That’s a pretty smart way to connect with readers and prove that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.

So, if you're thinking about "Matthew Perry young" as a writer or someone with a message, Matthew the Apostle fits that. He was a storyteller, a teacher, and someone who believed in sharing good news—even if it meant going against what everyone else thought.

Legacy and Influence Today

Matthew’s influence is still felt today. His Gospel is read by millions, studied in churches, and used for Bible study around the world. His story of transformation—from a hated tax collector to a devoted follower of Christ—is one that still inspires people to make big life changes.

And while the phrase "Matthew Perry young" might not refer directly to him, there’s no denying that the idea of a young person turning their life around, finding purpose, and becoming a positive influence is exactly what Matthew’s story is all about. Whether you’re looking for spiritual guidance, historical facts, or just a good story, Matthew’s life has something for everyone.

So next time you search for “Matthew Perry young,” remember that there’s more than one Matthew worth knowing. One changed the world with laughter, and another changed it with faith.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Matthew before he met Jesus?

Matthew was a tax collector, a profession that was widely despised in his time. He worked for the Roman government and collected taxes from his own people, which made him unpopular. However, Jesus called him to become one of His twelve disciples, and Matthew left his old life behind.

Is Matthew the same as Levi in the Bible?

Yes, Matthew and Levi are the same person. In some parts of the Bible, like the Gospel of Mark and Luke, he's referred to as Levi. But in the Gospel of Matthew and other references, he's called Matthew. This might have been a common practice, where people had different names in different contexts.

Why is the Gospel of Matthew important?

The Gospel of Matthew is important because it was one of the first written accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. It’s also the first book in the New Testament, which shows how significant it was in early Christian communities. Matthew’s Gospel helped connect Jesus’ life to Jewish tradition and proved that He was the promised Messiah.

Learn more about the lives of the apostles on our site, and discover the impact of the Gospels today.

If you're interested in deeper biblical studies, you can also read the Gospel of Matthew online for free on Bible Gateway.