According to the Bible, before becoming a disciple, Matthew was a tax collector. In the book of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 9, it is written: "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow me,' he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him." Tax collectors in biblical times were often seen as corrupt and dishonest individuals who were despised by the Jewish community. They were known for exploiting their own people by collecting more taxes than required and keeping the extra for themselves. However, despite his occupation, Matthew was chosen by Jesus to become one of his disciples. This demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and the belief that anyone, regardless of their past, can be redeemed and used for a greater purpose. In the case of Matthew, he went on to become one of the twelve apostles and a key figure in spreading the message of Christianity. If you would like to delve deeper into the story of Matthew and his journey from tax collector to disciple, you can read more about it in the Bible or visit websites such as biblegateway.com or biblestudytools.com for additional resources and interpretations. These sites offer a wealth of information on biblical characters and their backgrounds, as well as insights into the cultural and historical context of their stories. In conclusion, Matthew's occupation as a tax collector before becoming a disciple highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus' teachings and the possibility of redemption for all. It serves as a reminder that no one is beyond forgiveness and that everyone has the potential to be transformed by faith. By studying the story of Matthew and other biblical figures, we can gain a deeper understanding of the power of faith and the impact it can have on one's life.

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