Taxing Thought For the Day: Were Matthew and Zachaeus Friends?

Today's post will be uncharacteristically brief. It concerns the way the gospel of Matthew was written. One of the early church fathers ("Irenaeus" by name) tells us that Matthew composed his gospel account by amalgamating the sermon notes of the apostle Peter. Given recent stylistic comparisons between the writings of Peter and the Gospel of Matthew -- a startlingly similar set of stylistic features attends both -- Irenaeus' testimony appears much the more credible.

But Matthew also would have had first-hand sources as well. Consider this: Matthew was a tax collector. So was Zachaeus, our tree-climbing early Christian friend of lesser stature. Matthew records both the account of his own conversion to Christ and that of Zachaeus. It is reasonable -- though not quite provable so far as I know -- to posit the notion that Zachaeus may have learned about Jesus by way of Matthew's faith-sharing "on the job."

The world of Israel was a small world indeed by modern comparison. The largest cities in the world could boast of having more than 50,000 residents (hardly a big feat today). The huge metropolises of yesterday -- very few in the ancient world had more than 100,000 citizens. This means that in every town it was mostly the case that "everyone knew everyone else" -- much more than some would have liked.

Thus, it is highly likely that Zack and Matt not only crossed paths, but probably knew each other quite well (it could hardly have been otherwise). Thus, it is worthwhile to read about Zachaeus' conversion to Christ in light of their likely on the job friendship. You might wish to read Matthew's own conversion from his pen and compare the two. Which features do they have in common and which not? One other question is noteworthy -- how did Matthew's occupational knowledge and training influence the material he included in his Gospel -- accounts about people managing or mismanaging money -- and other teachings about money (a topic most familiar to Matthew)? How would Matthew have viewed some of the teachings of Jesus differently -- or perhaps with special insight (given his knowledge of money handling and tax collecting)

I expect that anyone who takes the Gospels seriously may find the comparison enlightening. Happy hunting. Back then they may even have had a Christian saying --- there are only two things for certain --- life and taxes. But let's not push it.

Later, if the Lord wills, I'll come back to these questions and attempt a few answers of my own.

Oh, one last thing. I recently ran across a witticism from the pen of Ralph Waldo Emerson I cannot resist sharing. He said, "Every advantage has its tax."