Final answer:
Simon (later known as Peter) was a fisherman before becoming an apostle, and the tax collector Levi (later known as Matthew) was called by Jesus to follow him, leaving behind his job as a tax collector.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before Simon (later known as Peter) became an apostle, he worked as a fisherman.
This is evident in the Biblical narratives where Jesus performs a miracle by instructing Peter to catch a fish to find a coin to pay the tax collector, which is depicted in historical frescoes and artworks that show Peter's connection to fishing.
In the story of the calling of Levi, also known as Matthew, we learn that he was a tax collector before being called by Jesus to follow Him and become one of his disciples.
The transformation of Peter and Matthew's professions from their previous livelihoods to following Jesus signifies significant changes in their life paths as they join Jesus in his ministry.