ContradictionsReading order 256Bible context 2 min read
What was the name of the tax collector who was called by Jesus?
The same distinctive tax-office summons is attached to Matthew in one Gospel and Levi in two others.
- Textual conflict
- Interpretive tension
- The passages pull in different directions, but the conflict depends on how their wording, scope, or narrative context is read.
- Importance
- Supporting
- A supporting event, teaching, or biographical claim.
Matching tax-office summons narratives name Matthew and Levi differently without establishing whether those are separate men or alternate names.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Matthew names the summoned tax collector Matthew
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Matthew 9:9
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:Matthew 9
Mark and Luke name the summoned tax collector Levi
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
Mark 2:14
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:Mark 2