Matthew Woods - The Story Of A Biblical Figure

20 Jun, 2025

When we think about names that echo through time, some stand out because of the stories attached to them. For anyone curious about the name Matthew, or perhaps someone named Matthew Woods, there's a really interesting figure from ancient writings to learn about. This person, a key figure in early Christian accounts, left behind a written record that has shaped beliefs and perspectives for many centuries. It’s a tale that helps us connect ancient messages with our present day experiences, you know, making old wisdom feel new.

The information we have comes from old texts, particularly those found within the Bible. These writings give us a picture of a man who played a pretty big part in the beginnings of a worldwide faith. He was someone who saw things happen firsthand and then put pen to paper to share what he witnessed. His account, in a way, serves as a foundational piece for countless people trying to understand a very important historical period.

So, if you’ve ever wondered about the origins of some deeply held beliefs, or if you simply find history fascinating, getting to know this Matthew is a good place to start. His contributions help us piece together a picture of events that continue to influence millions. It's a look back at a time when big ideas were just starting to take root, and one man’s observations helped them grow.

Biography: Getting to Know Matthew
What was Matthew's background, you know, before following Jesus?
The Gospel of Matthew: What's it all about?
How does the Gospel connect to Matthew Woods, and others like him?
Matthew's Role Among the Disciples
What kind of impact did Matthew Woods, or rather, Matthew the Apostle, have?
The Gospel's Place in the Bigger Picture
Where does the Gospel of Matthew fit, for someone interested in Matthew Woods' world?
Exploring Matthew's Writings Today

Biography: Getting to Know Matthew

Matthew, often called Matthew the Apostle, was a really significant person in the story of early Christianity. He's one of those individuals whose life changed dramatically after meeting Jesus. His story is told in the New Testament, and it paints a picture of someone who left his old way of living behind to follow a new path. This transformation is a big part of what makes his story so compelling for many people, you know, even today.

He had a few different names, too. He was also known as Saint Matthew, and sometimes as Levi. This practice of having more than one name wasn't that unusual back then. What matters most, perhaps, is what he became: one of the twelve apostles, a close group of people who spent a lot of time with Jesus, learning directly from him. This special closeness gave him a unique perspective on the events he later wrote about, which is pretty neat.

His personal details, as given in the ancient texts, are quite focused on his spiritual calling rather than everyday facts. We don't get a lot of information about his birth date or where he grew up, for example. What we do learn is about his life-altering decision to join Jesus's circle. It's a pretty powerful moment in the biblical accounts, showing a clear shift in his purpose.

Key Details About Matthew the Apostle
Aspect	Information from "My text"
Full Name	Matthew the Apostle (also Saint Matthew, Levi)
Primary Role	One of the twelve apostles of Jesus
Other Roles	One of the four evangelists, author of the Gospel of Matthew
Key Action	Followed Jesus after being told "follow me"
Main Goal of Gospel	To show Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah

What was Matthew's background, you know, before following Jesus?

Before he became known as Matthew the Apostle, this individual had a different sort of job. He was a tax collector, which, in his time, wasn't a very popular line of work. People who collected taxes for the Roman authorities were often seen as outsiders, sometimes even as traitors by their own communities. So, when Jesus called him to follow, it was a pretty surprising choice for many people watching, perhaps even for Matthew himself.

The moment Jesus called him is described as quite direct. Jesus simply said, "follow me," and Matthew, who was at his tax booth, got up and did just that. This immediate response tells us a little about his character, doesn't it? It suggests a readiness to change, a willingness to leave behind a life that might have been comfortable, but maybe not fulfilling. This quick decision is often seen as a significant act of faith.

He began following Jesus partway through Jesus’s travels. This means he wasn't there from the very first days of Jesus's public teaching, but he joined when Jesus's reputation was growing. His perspective, then, would have been that of someone coming into an already established group, learning on the go. This period of learning and observing was very important for what he would later write down, shaping his view of the events.

The Gospel of Matthew: What's it all about?

The book Matthew wrote, known as the Gospel of Matthew, is a very important part of the New Testament. It's actually the first book you find in the collection of the four gospels. This placement often makes it the first account people read when they start exploring these ancient texts. It’s considered a foundational piece for understanding the life and teachings of Jesus, and it really sets a particular tone for the rest of the New Testament.

The main goal Matthew had in writing his book was to show his Jewish readers that Jesus was, in fact, their long-awaited Messiah. This was a really big point for people at that time, as there were many ideas about who the Messiah would be. Matthew worked to build a case for Jesus's identity, using arguments and references that would make sense to a Jewish audience. He was, you know, trying to bridge a gap in understanding.

He did this primarily by showing how Jesus, through his life and everything he taught, brought to life the older writings from the Old Testament scriptures. Matthew would often point out specific instances where Jesus's actions or words mirrored what had been foretold by ancient prophets. This careful connection between the old and the new was a central part of his argument, making his book a sort of puzzle piece that fits perfectly with earlier prophecies.

How does the Gospel connect to Matthew Woods, and others like him?

Even though the Gospel of Matthew was written a very long time ago, its messages still hold meaning for people today, including anyone who might carry the name Matthew Woods. The book starts by tracing Jesus's family tree, going all the way back to Abraham, a really important figure in Jewish history. This detailed lineage, or "book of the generation," as it’s sometimes called, establishes Jesus's rightful place within a long line of significant people.

For example, it tells us that Jacob became the father of Joseph, who was Mary's husband, and Mary was the mother of Jesus, who is known as the Christ. This careful tracing of family lines was very important in ancient cultures, as it established identity and legitimacy. It’s a way of saying, "Here's where this story fits into the bigger picture of history," you know, making sure everyone understood the connections.

The Gospel's message of Jesus fulfilling ancient promises offers a way for people, even those named Matthew Woods today, to think about how old stories can have new meaning. It's about how events from the past can show us something about the present. The idea that a life can bring old predictions to life is a powerful one, inviting readers to consider how things connect across different times.

Matthew's Role Among the Disciples

Matthew was certainly one of the twelve apostles, a select group of men chosen by Jesus to be his closest companions and learners. This position meant he had a front-row seat to many of the events and teachings that would later become the core of Christian belief. Being part of this inner circle gave him a distinct viewpoint for his written account, a firsthand perspective that many people value very much.

The crowds who witnessed Jesus's actions, and the authority he displayed, were often deeply impressed. They were, in fact, filled with a sense of wonder and gave honor to God, recognizing that such power had been given to people. This reaction from the crowds shows the profound effect Jesus had on those around him, and Matthew was there to observe it all, taking it in.

Matthew's presence among the twelve meant he was a direct witness to these moments of awe and recognition. His experiences as one of Jesus's chosen followers would have greatly shaped his understanding of Jesus's identity and mission. It's pretty clear that seeing these things for himself made a lasting impression, something he then felt compelled to share with others through his writing.

What kind of impact did Matthew Woods, or rather, Matthew the Apostle, have?

The impact of Matthew the Apostle is something that continues to be felt, even for someone considering the name Matthew Woods in a modern sense. His writings helped shape the early Christian community. Initially, the church that grew from his teachings was quite focused on Jewish believers. However, over time, it became a community where Christians from non-Jewish backgrounds were more common. This shift shows how broad the appeal of his message became.

His Gospel also addresses a very practical question: how to live a life that follows God's wishes. It explores the idea of obedience to a higher purpose, giving guidance on what that might look like in everyday life. This practical side of his writing is one reason why it has remained so relevant to so many people through the centuries, offering direction on how to live well.

The book Matthew penned provided a framework for understanding faith and behavior. It helped early followers, and continues to help people today, figure out how their actions connect with their beliefs. It’s a sort of guide for living, offering principles that people can apply to their own circumstances, which is quite useful.

The Gospel's Place in the Bigger Picture

The Gospel according to Matthew holds a very special spot in the New Testament. It's positioned as the very first of the four gospels, and this arrangement suggests that many people believed it was written first. This placement gives it a sort of introductory role, setting the stage for the other accounts of Jesus's life. It's, you know, like the opening chapter of a very important story.

Beyond being the first of the gospels, it's also the first book of the entire New Testament. This means it’s the very beginning of the second major section of the Christian Bible. And, if you look at the Bible as a whole, it’s the fortieth book in the entire collection. These positions highlight its importance and its role in connecting different parts of the larger biblical narrative.

Most people who study the New Testament believe that Matthew the disciple is indeed the person who wrote this Gospel. This belief comes from looking at clues within the book itself and from traditions passed down through history. So, there's a pretty strong consensus that this particular Matthew was the author, giving his account a clear and consistent origin.

Where does the Gospel of Matthew fit, for someone interested in Matthew Woods' world?

For anyone curious about the historical and spiritual foundations that might connect with a name like Matthew Woods, the Gospel of Matthew is a really good place to look. It starts its account of Jesus Christ's life by detailing Jesus's family line, beginning with the patriarch Abraham. This opening immediately grounds the story in a deep historical context, showing its roots.

The way Matthew begins his book, by tracing this family history, is quite deliberate. It’s a way of saying, "This story is connected to everything that came before it." It helps readers see how Jesus's life was not a random event but part of a long-standing plan. This approach makes the narrative feel very grounded and purposeful, which is something many readers appreciate.

The focus on lineage at the start of the Gospel provides a solid foundation for the rest of the book's message. It’s like laying down the groundwork before building a house. This careful beginning helps to establish Jesus's identity and authority, making the subsequent stories and teachings even more impactful for the reader.

Exploring Matthew's Writings Today

If you're interested in reading the book of Matthew, it's very easy to access today. You can find it online, which means it’s available to pretty much anyone with an internet connection. Many online versions offer the full chapters, allowing you to read the story from beginning to end at your own pace, which is pretty convenient.

Beyond just the text, many resources are available to help you understand what you're reading. You can find full summaries, which give you a quick overview of the main points. There are also commentaries, which offer explanations and insights into the meaning of different passages. These tools can really help to make the ancient words more accessible and clear, you know, for modern readers.

For those who like to study in depth, there are also concordances. These are tools that help you find every instance of a particular word in the Bible, which can be really useful for detailed research. And, if you're looking for practical ways to bring the Bible's ancient messages into your own life, the NIV Application Bible, which builds on the NIV Application Commentary series, is designed to help with just that. It’s a way to see how old wisdom can speak to new situations.

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Matthew - Bible Book Chapters and Summary - New International Version

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