The son of Alphaeus and one of the twelve apostles. He was a tax-collector for the Romans, called 'publican' in the A.V. He left his office immediately he was called by the Lord and entertained Him at a feast. No other incidents are recorded of him apart from the other apostles. He is universally believed to have written the gospel bearing his name. Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13 . He is called LEVI in Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27,29 .