St Matthew
Meet the tax collector who became an apostle and evangelist. St Matthew left everything to follow Christ and gave the Church a Gospel that reveals Jesus as the fulfilment of all Jewish hope and the teacher of the New Law.
Tax Collectorto Evangelist
Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him. Tax collectors were despised as collaborators with Rome and public sinners, yet Christ saw in Matthew a future apostle. "Follow me," Jesus said, and Matthew rose, left everything, and followed him.
His Gospel, placed first in the New Testament, was written primarily for Jewish Christians. Matthew demonstrates how Jesus fulfils the prophecies of the Old Testament, frequently citing Scripture with the formula "that it might be fulfilled." His Gospel contains the Sermon on the Mount, the Our Father, and the Great Commission.
Tradition holds that after Pentecost, Matthew preached in Judaea before travelling to Ethiopia, Persia, or other lands. He is believed to have died a martyr, though accounts vary. In Christian art, Matthew is symbolised by a man or angel, reflecting his Gospel's opening with the human genealogy of Christ.
At a Glance
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
St Matthew
Matthew 28:19
The First Gospel
St Matthew gave the Church its most Jewish Gospel, rich with Old Testament fulfilment and the teachings of Jesus. His witness remains essential for understanding Christ as the promised Messiah.