And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
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Bede
AD 735
We must not pass over the fact that Matthew had two names, for he was also called Levi, and that name too bears witness to the grace granted to him. Levi means “added” or “taken up,” signifying that he was “taken up” through being chosen by the Lord, and “added” to the number of the apostolic band. Mark and Luke generously chose to use this name alone, so as to not make glaringly conspicuous his former way of life, for he was now their companion in the work of the gospel. In setting down the list of the twelve apostles, they simply called him Matthew, not mentioning Levi. Matthew himself, on the other hand (in accord with what is written, “The just man is the first accuser of himself; his friend came and searched him out”), calls himself by his ordinary name when telling of being called from his taxcollector’s place, but adds pointedly “the publican”—“Thomas,” he says, “and Matthew the publican.” In this way he offers to publicans and sinners greater confidence in securing their salvation.
