The exact age of Matthew when he encountered Jesus is not explicitly stated in the Bible. The Gospels offer glimpses into his life and profession, but not a precise birthdate. Therefore, any answer is based on interpretation and contextual clues. Let's explore what we can glean from scripture and historical context.
What the Gospels Tell Us About Matthew
The Gospels portray Matthew as a tax collector, a profession that generally required some level of education and literacy. Tax collectors in Roman-occupied Judea were often despised because they collaborated with the occupying power and were known for exploiting their fellow countrymen. This suggests Matthew was likely an adult, possibly in his late twenties or thirties, at the time of his calling.
The narrative itself doesn't offer a definitive timeline. We know Jesus' ministry lasted approximately three years, and Matthew's encounter with Jesus occurred relatively early in that ministry. This suggests that he was likely mature enough to hold a responsible position as a tax collector and make a life-altering decision to follow Jesus.
Was Matthew a Young Man or Older?
Some speculate that Matthew's age might have been relatively young, perhaps in his twenties, based on the idea that individuals in younger adulthood are more prone to radical life changes. However, this is speculation based on modern societal norms, not direct biblical evidence. The occupation of a tax collector implies a level of experience and established life, arguing against a significantly younger age.
What About the Other Disciples?
While we lack precise ages for any of the disciples, we can infer that they were mostly adults, capable of making their own decisions regarding their livelihood and faith. The fact that they left their various professions—fishermen, tax collectors—to follow Jesus indicates a degree of maturity and established life circumstances.
Why the Uncertainty Matters
The lack of precise age information underscores a larger point: the Gospel accounts focus on spiritual transformation and discipleship, not biographical details. The age of Matthew is less important than his profound response to Jesus' call. His conversion story highlights the transformative power of Jesus' message and its ability to reach people from all walks of life, regardless of their age or background.
Did Matthew's Age Influence His Gospel?
It's interesting to consider whether Matthew's age (however old he was) influenced the way he wrote his Gospel. The detailed financial accounts mentioned in his Gospel might suggest a mind trained in accounting, but we can only speculate.
In conclusion, while we don't have a definitive answer to "How old was Matthew when he met Jesus?", the available information suggests he was likely a mature adult, possibly in his late twenties or thirties, based on his profession and the significant life change his conversion represented. The uncertainty, however, doesn't diminish the significance of his encounter with Jesus and his subsequent contribution to the early Christian church.
