Who was St. Matthew?
This prominent figure in Christianity is primarily found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically the Gospel of Matthew. Known as St. Matthew the Evangelist, St. Matthew the Apostle, or Levi; St. Matthew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
Before devoting his life to Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum. One day, while sitting at his tax booth, Jesus approached him and called him to be one of His disciples. Without hesitation, Matthew abandoned his profession to follow Jesus, and eventually became one of his closest companions.
His life as an apostle was filled with learning experiences as he witnessed numerous miracles performed by Jesus as well as other significant events such as the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Despite his faith being tested by hatred and those who rejected Christ, Matthew remained loyal in his faith, being present for the resurrection of Jesus and the undertaking to spread the Gospel to all nations.
In addition to his journey as an apostle, Matthew is celebrated for his original writing of the Gospel of Matthew. His gospel provides a detailed account of the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, aiming to convey the message of salvation and the fulfillment of God’s plan through Jesus. He is widely known for his emphasis on connecting the life and teachings of the Lord to the prophecies of the Old Testament, highlighting Christ as the long-awaited Messiah, as well as a missionary who played a crucial role in the sharing and spreading of Jesus’ message.
Traditionally, St. Matthew is depicted as an evangelist and he signifies his role in proclaiming the Good News. He is proclaimed as a saint in various Christian denominations after he was killed for his devotion to his faith. St. Matthew’s faith and dedication are honoured on his feast day, September 21st, each year.
The life and writings of Saint Matthew continue to inspire and guide millions of Christians worldwide, serving as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring message of Jesus Christ.