Matthew's Story: From Sinner to Saint

The Jesus Chronicles #4

by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins

The new novel in the Jesus Chronicles, the bestselling series from the authors of the Left Behind novels.

Levi was studying to be a priest, but when an unspeakable tragedy befalls his family, he turns his back on his faith and decides to pursue riches and luxury instead. He becomes a tax collector, disappointing his family and reviled by Jews and Romans alike. And although he is a success, his chosen trade does not bring him contentment. When he hears about Jesus, the man who some are saying is the prophesied Messiah, he begins a quest that leads him to question his very existence. As he follows Jesus and records His words and deeds, Levi is shaken to the core and transformed. Renamed "Matthew" by Jesus—literally "gift from God"-he is called to give up his work and his worldly possessions and claims Jesus as his Lord.

Matthew's Story is a novel that brings to life the most unlikely of apostles—a sinner-turned-saint-and his time with the Lord. Thrilling and uplifting, Matthew's Story shows how the true Messiah changed the life of one man, and forever altered the course of history.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Spirituality, Religion

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Timothy "Tim" F. LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, author, and speaker, best known for the Left Behind series of apocalyptic fiction, which he co-wrote with Jerry B. Jenkins.

He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fictional telling of Matthew's story, his life before meeting and following Jesus. Although it does include the Book of Matthew after the story, it does not claim to be the actual biography of Matthew. I do like how it portrayed Matthew as being the sinful tax collector, Levi, whose outlook changed after investigating, meeting, and following Jesus. These books do offer another look at the life of the first apostles...but personally, I feel that the life portrayed is still slightly modernized and Americanized. That is great since it brings about a bit more understanding for me. This is not a book to use to provide specific historical facts, even though if does reference general historical events. I was hoping for more to help in my bible studies, but this was more of a light read instead of research. I will continue with the rest of the books because I did enjoy the stories.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've sometimes wondered about the disciples--who they were, what happened in their lives to get them where they were when they encountered Jesus, what choices they made and heartaches they carried into ministry. I appreciated this look into what might have happened to Matthew that led to his choice to become a tax collector. It was interesting to consider, and while I know that the tales of his youth in these pages are fiction, it makes the man I see in Scripture more real, relatable. More human.

[Dempse Kb · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far it's the best of the bunch. I'm reading them out of order apparently. I'm always nervous about books starring Jesus, but they represented him in a good way sticking to scripture for the most part. The story of Matthew basically proves I had never even thought about who wrote it. YES I recognize that there is no proof it was written by the apostle Matthew who was the Tax Collector, as this book presumes, but it was still an interesting story and gives life to the words in the bible.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can always count on Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins for well written Biblical Fiction based on truth. This is Book 1 of their latest series, and it was excellent. It follows Matthew through his childhood until Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. It brought to life both Matthew's experiences as a tax collector, his reasons for initially leaving his Jewish faith, his anger at God, and his return to a deeper and more enduring faith as he followed Jesus, became one of the 12 apostles along with his brother, and was the scribe for all of Jesus' activities. I would have given it a 5, but the authors did not follow Matthew after the resurrection. I would have really enjoyed reading the entire story of Matthew's life.

I would highly recommend this novel for anyone who is interested in learning more about the life of Matthew based on Biblical truths and historical research.

[Grace Lukich · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great read!!! i can’t believe i’ve hit the end of the series, but that just means i can now recommend it to everyone i know lol. i think my favorites were in this order: john, luke, matthew, mark. even tho mark is one of my fav books of the bible, the writing in that specific jesus chronicles dragged & had too much secondhand from peter to make it truly stand on its own. however, this was still a fantastic series to put yourself into these people’s povs & makes me want to watch the chosen now!!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at the life and times of the writer of the first of the New Testament gospels.

[Julia Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of the Jesus Chronicles I have read. Unlike the other two (Luke and John), this one was a little hard to read in the first few chapters. It's only because it is about the death of Levi's infant brother. But all I had to do was keep reading, knowing there's a great story ahead.
I was right. My impression of this one was, it was written so that the big issue of young people following Jesus, and a lot of times they don't want to do it right away, is nothing new. It dates back even to Bible times. Everyone of all ages would learn a lot just from that.
As expected Levi, feels empty and worthless after being the best tax collector. And he hears about Jesus. I love how LaHaye and Jenkins describe so well how he came to know Jesus and how the crowd of people came to hear His teachings and their reactions to this unusual ("revolutionary", for a lack of better words) way of thinking and believing.
By this time, I kept turning the pages. For those of you who haven't read this book, I will tell you to try to not have any interruptions between pages 118 & 130. That Matthew (gift from God) was so hungry for Jesus only made me even more of the same way to turn the pages. It was like taking a Bible Study Fellowship class survey class-style. The disciples' emotions were palpable, to the point of me being in tears, especially as Matthew's journey with Jesus unfolded.
What struck me in the beginning of Levi's journey to being called Matthew, is the interaction among the other disciples, how they encouraged each other, their different backgrounds and how this complemented each other and made them depend on each other.
I loved reading about Jesus and His disciples feeding the 4000 and 5000. I gained even more insight of the Pharisees' opposition to Jesus' teachings and the disciples' individual reactions after Jesus said they will all deny Him. I now know the book of Matthew a little bit better than before; that speaks for all of the books in this Jesus Chronicles. Therefore, if there was one parable I would have loved for LaHaye and Jenkins to include, it was the one of the parable of the 10 virgins. That is one of my personal favorites.
However, that was, for all intents and purposes, unimportant in light of Jesus' death and resurrection, most especially the disciples' reactions to denying Him when He was crucified and died. This is one of the parts that moved me to tears.
Another part that did the same thing to me: When Jesus spoke personally to Matthew. It's in this heart-to-heart, one-on-one dialogue that I learned something about Matthew: He has a heart for children. A perfect example of how God turns something evil into good for His glory!
Now, I am waiting for my Amazon order of Mark's Story to come in the mail.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of Tim LaHaye. His brand of Christianity just doesn't work for me. I've read about the horrible depictions in the Left Behind series, and I dread reading them.

But Matthew is my favorite of the gospels, and this book contained a humanity in it that I didn't find in Luke's Story or Mark's Story.

Unlike Luke and Mark, Matthew was one of Jesus' disciples. In this book, the reader gets to see Jesus through his eyes. Now, I did think part of the book was ridiculous, mostly the cartoonish, one-dimensional portrayals of Herod the Great. It was weird that there was a part of the book told from the point of view of Herod, only for that narrative to fizzle out after the Massacre of the Innocents. Granted, Herod did die shortly after, but I feel like having part of the early story told from his point of view weakened the narrative.

I'm not necessarily a fan of the direction the story too, either, between the tragedy that strikes Matthew's family and his becoming a disciple of Jesus. But haven't most of us experienced something like he does--realizing that God doesn't give us everything? That faith in God, even obeying God, won't save us from pain and grief? One of the problems of evangelical fiction is that it doesn't dare to make the protagonist too blasphemous. But in "Matthew's Story," LaHaye took that risk, and I liked it. I was also moved by his grief, both over what happened to his family and, much later, over Jesus' crucifixion (that's not a spoiler, right?).

Strangely, I felt inspired reading this book. Inspired to look at Christianity again. Inspired to seek out my own answers. Inspired to appreciate the Bible for what it is, even if I don't agree with everything it says. So I'm glad I read this book.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew's Story gave me a front row seat to the greatest event in human history. From anger to revenge to realization to transformation, Matthew went.

Although I've read Matthew's account many times, this story shed a new light on the gospel. I'll never again read the book of Matthew the same way.

I enjoy getting to know Biblical characters. After all, I'll be spending eternity with them. Now I know Matthew a little better.

I experienced the words on the pages. Remembering my first times. Hearing about Jesus. Asking Jesus into my heart. Reading His word. Hearing His voice.

What a great book.

[Katie O'malley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An utterly astounding read. Matthew's journey from a tax collector embittered by a family tragedy to a hopeful follower of Jesus is delightfully well-written. I was totally immersed in the characters, settings, events, and emotions. It's a great story of redemption, forgiveness, and friendship. And, though the account of Matthew's childhood and family was completely from the author's imagination, it fits in well with the narrative.
The only thing I didn't like is how "James, son of Alphaeus" is presented as Matthew's brother (he wasn't) and is pretty useless aside from being the one of make Matthew curious about John the Baptist and subsequently Jesus.

[Rick Farlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Left Behind series years ago and when I saw this book, by Tim LaHaye, I was hopeful that this one would be of the same caliber... I was not disappointed! Matthews Story touches the heart and has the potential to become a great TV series. The Slaughter of the Innocence at the beginning of the book is especially moving and LaHaye coveys the emotional grief perfectly. RECOMMENDED for all believers and especially for new converts to Christ.

[Lynne Modranski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoy Jerry Jenkins and Tim Lahaye's imagination when it comes to these disciples. My only disappointment is the dialogue. Jenkins usually has the best dialogue around; however, I find this stiff and out of character for the disciples. I'm still enjoying the books, and I recommend them. Just beware it doesn't flow as beautifully as most of Jenkins work.

[Stephanie Salyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical fiction novel about the life of Matthew. Really tears your heart into pieces about what the king did try those families, murdering whomever they wanted.... Not much better today eh. The entire book of matthew is at the back of the book so it feels like you're reading it twice once as it might have happened and again all put together.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It seems to me that the authors used creative license in this book but it is still worth the read. At the end of Mathews story is the book of Mathew, all 28 chapters; from the genealogy to Christ's death and resurrection.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very compelling story of Levi...later Matthew after he became a disciple of Jesus Christ.

[Rachel Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best book in the series.

[Jim Swike · Rating 2 out of 5]

returned by Kindle. I did not learn much from this story. Maybe you will feel differently. Enjoy!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A possible story of Matthew's life, filing in many details we don't actually know, but are possible. Throught provoking as I studied the Bible book of Matthew.

[Frank Johnston]

Quite interesting!

[Robyn Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction account of the disciple of Jesus Christ who was Levi, renamed Matthew. I have listened to and enjoyed Tim LeHaye in the past and this did not disappoint.

[Lynn Cansler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and how it helps readers to better understand the context of the gospel.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook while I cleaned, crocheted, and gardened. I love that the narrator read the book of Matthew at the end of the book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fascinating to think about the lives of those who walked with Jesus!

[Chris Lezu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating perspective of Jesus from Matthew’s point of view. Excited to see how the rest of the viewpoints play out.

[Adrienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

although it's fictional so far I'm enjoying it. it's makes sense why Matthew would become a tax collector after tragedy strikes and believed he wss doing best for his life. it's even more amazing how he felt he didn't need priesthood or God in his life but then shows up, and realized he needs Jesus more than ever and once again united to his true calling as a priest like figure for the Christ.

What I have gathered from this novel is that Levi (later called Matthew by Jesus) suffers and grieves over the loss of his younger brother. Thereafter, he neglected his calling. Sometimes we allow circumstances beyond our control to have a bearing on our true, divine calling--to stop or refuse to move forward and go in the opposite direction or path like Levi did that disgraced his family, culture, and tradition(s) by becoming a tax collector instead of a priest. He had a vengeful heart--and believed greed would be suffice to meet that need after grieving, wealth would sustain him. I have also seen people believing in their riches and wealth than the Lord Jesus. But later he walked into the path of Jesus preaching, but at first was skeptical it was another false prophet or false healer and presumed it was a hoax. However, once he listened to his teaching and writing them at the same time, he realized Jesus was speaking directly to him. This word was overwhelming, "...beautiful, powerful, poetic litany and Levi kept writing, turning his head now to let the tears roll off his cheeks to the ground, not wanting to miss a word. It was too much, too rich, too deep. (page 129)."

Jesus further spoke about storing up treasures on earth but we are not to store riches here on earth for yourself. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This scripture is so deep and though-provoking which I always have to remind myself. These warnings ripping in his earts; too many of us hear the message but do not do them.

I actually got the chills while reading this passage. Did the authors' plan for the reader to be engaged and moved or driven by the literature itself? What I loved more is that Levi dispelled the fallacies about Jesus once he witnessed it all himself. He made a record account of these things too. Moreover, I loved the "transformation" with Matthew was quite astonishing and then left everything, his work/job that made him wealthy, and when Jesus said FOLLOW ME, he went immediately. He did not have to think about it, wonder, or doubt. He grabbed his items and embraced Jesus, then followed. Can we do that today without a storm of questions and series of doubtful thoughts or talks?

leisure read 2016

[Rebekah Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looove it!!

[She's Always Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering how famous Matthew's gospel is, I was expecting a truly riveting novel. Unfortunately, the authors chose to abandon the fictional part of the story very early.

Broken into 3 parts, the first part of this book explain's Matthew's childhood and the horrific act that set him on the path to tax collection. I noticed dialogue problems here and the authors seemed to have a tough time vocalizing the thoughts of a child authentically. Most of Matthew's feelings and thoughts for the rest of the book are summed up as bland narratives, rather than as compelling or even interesting dialogue.

Parts 2 and 3 are essentially verbatin quotations of the New Testament gospels, which makes me question why they entitled it "Matthew's Story" and only focused so much on Jesus' quotations.

We need to understand that the function of a novel is to tell a fictional tale and I don't think the authors were particularly successful on this try. The result is that the novel read more like an exposition of the book of Matthew.

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the simplistic language of the Left Behind Series, this is a fictisious story of what might have been the life of Matthew, a tax collector, who ultimately became one of Jesus’ disciples. Levi is a young boy destined to become a Jewish priest when a horrible event happens in his family. It leaves him tragically marked and he turns away from God. Later in the story he becomes a tax collector. Eventually he meets Jesus who names him Matthew, “Gift from God”. I don’t want to give too much away, but it is a nice, soft read with authenticity which leaves us hard to believe it is fiction. A warm book to read over cold winter months….

[Allan67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. This book is the story of Matthew's life - Matthew's Story, as imagined by Tim LaHaye. How much of it is true, I don't know. Did Matthew actually have a brother who was killed by Herod's solders in an attempt to kill the Christ Child in the neighborhood of Bethlehem? Somehow, I doubt it. But there are facts that are from the New Testament book that are made into a part of the story. The final third or so of the book is a translation of the New Testament book of Matthew. By reading Matthew's Story to completion, you can get both with one read. I found the fictional account of Matthew interesting. It's the way things might have been, ... or maybe not.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

With some current issues in my life I've found myself questioning the purpose of my life... of life in general. Therefore, I have taken more of an interest in religion for guidance and strength.

Although this book, as well as the others in this series are considered to be fictional novels because it cannot be determined to what degree the actual story is based on truth, I take comfort in knowing much of this book, as well as the others in this series, have been taken from actual biblical scriptures. Regardless of the validity of ths story itself, I did find Matthew's Story to be enlightening, wondering the possiblity of such that could have been the real story through Mathew's eyes.