The "House of Matthew" refers to the dwelling place of Matthew, also known as Levi, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Matthew is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament. His house is mentioned in the context of his calling and subsequent feast, which holds significant theological and historical implications.

Biblical Account

The account of Matthew's calling and the subsequent gathering at his house is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written:

"As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples." (Matthew 9:9-10)

Similarly, the Gospel of Mark provides a parallel account:

"As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him. While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him." (Mark 2:14-15)

The Gospel of Luke also recounts this event:

"After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him. Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them." (Luke 5:27-29)

Significance

The House of Matthew serves as a significant setting for illustrating Jesus' ministry and His mission to reach the marginalized and sinners. Tax collectors were often despised by the Jewish community for their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their reputation for extortion. By choosing to dine at Matthew's house, Jesus demonstrated His willingness to associate with those considered outcasts and sinners, emphasizing His message of redemption and grace.

The gathering at Matthew's house also highlights the transformative power of Jesus' call. Matthew's immediate response to follow Jesus, leaving behind his lucrative position as a tax collector, signifies a radical change in allegiance and priorities. The feast he hosted can be seen as an expression of gratitude and a celebration of his new life in Christ.

Theological Implications

The event at the House of Matthew underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message. Jesus' interaction with tax collectors and sinners challenges the prevailing social and religious norms of the time, illustrating that the Kingdom of God is open to all who repent and believe. This narrative reinforces the theme of grace and the call to discipleship, inviting believers to extend the same grace and acceptance to others.

Furthermore, the House of Matthew serves as a microcosm of the early Christian community, where diverse individuals gathered around Jesus, united by their faith and commitment to His teachings. This setting foreshadows the broader mission of the Church to reach all nations and peoples with the message of salvation.

Historical Context

Matthew's role as a tax collector before his calling provides insight into the socio-economic dynamics of first-century Judea. Tax collectors were often seen as traitors to their people, working for the Roman occupiers and profiting from their fellow Jews. This background adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the radical nature of Jesus' ministry and the transformative impact of His call.

In summary, the House of Matthew is a pivotal location in the Gospel narratives, symbolizing the reach of Jesus' ministry and the transformative power of His call to discipleship. Through this event, the Gospels convey profound theological truths about grace, redemption, and the inclusivity of the Kingdom of God.