The answer is: In a tax booth

Matt 9:9 - Receipt of custom in the KJV

In the Gospel of Matthew, we meet the apostle himself sitting in what we might picture as a humble tax booth—a stark reminder of his real-life background. Now, tax booths were no ordinary places. Imagine a bustling market, where people were always haggling over goods—Matthew's booth would be right at the heart of that commerce, but instead of selling snacks or woven baskets, he was collecting taxes from his fellow Jews for the Roman Empire.

Tax collectors were generally seen as social pariahs in their communities, often perceived as fraudulent and greedy. This reflects profound irony in Jesus choosing Matthew; He reaches for someone often overlooked and shunned by others. It's astonishing to think about how Jesus had a knack for picking individuals who society dismissed!

Another interesting tidbit: the name "Matthew" means "gift of God." The significance here is deliciously ironic, given that a despised tax collector could become an essential part of the divine story. His transformation from sinner to disciple emphasizes that anyone can experience profound change—the moment of calling signifies hope over hostility, acceptance over accusation.

Moreover, Matthew uses more Hebrew scriptures than any other Gospel writer, resonating his journey towards faith with themes of generosity and service. So, when you think of Matthew's earlier life tied to financial transactions, consider how he pivoted to delivering spiritual messages, painting a richer, vibrant narrative about redemption.