Matthew was a tax collector. In Jesus day, Jewish tax collectors worked for the Romans and were often disliked for being unfair. One day, Jesus asked Matthew to follow his way. Matthew invited Jesus into his home and became an apostle, which meant leaving behind his old way of life. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Matthew spread the Good News and wrote one of the gospels. He is the patron (September 21) of tax collectors, bankers, and accountants.