Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, is one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of one of the four Gospels of the New Testament. Although little detailed information exists about his life before he met Jesus, he is considered a key figure in the early Church. In this article, we will explore his personal history , his calling by Jesus, his role as an evangelist , and his spiritual legacy that continues to influence Christianity today.
The Origins of Saint Matthew
Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, is a central figure in Christianity, particularly because of his role as an apostle and evangelist. His story, marked by his radical conversion and call to follow Jesus, highlights themes of divine mercy and redemption. However, before becoming one of the apostles, Matthew lived the life of a tax collector, a profession often viewed negatively in the Jewish society of his time.
Relic of Saint Matthew on relics.es
Matthew, a Tax Collector in Capernaum
Saint Matthew is commonly associated with Capernaum , a trading city on the Sea of Galilee . Capernaum was an important commercial hub, where many merchants, fishermen, and workers from the area crossed paths. It was in this context that Matthew worked as a tax collector, a profession considered infamous by the Jews of the time.
Tax collectors, or publicans , were employed by the Roman Empire to collect taxes from the inhabitants of conquered provinces, including Judea and Galilee . The role of publicans was particularly frowned upon in Jewish society, as they were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers. Their work allowed them to raise money for the empire, but in exchange for commissions that often made them corrupt and unjust. They were therefore often seen as public sinners , shunned by the Jewish religious and social community who saw them as traitors, exploiting their own people for the benefit of the empire.
A Despised Profession and a Life of Marginalization
Because of his position as a tax collector, Matthew was socially marginalized. Tax collectors were often excluded from synagogues and the religious community, considered impure and ungodly because of their collaboration with the Romans and their involvement in an unjust economic system. Their work also brought them into contact with questionable activities and immoral practices, such as fraud and extortion.
Matthew was therefore a man who, at first glance, would have been far removed from the spiritual values expected of a pious Jew at that time. His profession as a tax collector made him a figure of rejection and contempt, not only in society, but also among the Pharisees and the doctors of the law , who fought against anything they considered immoral behavior .
Jesus' Call to Follow
It was in this difficult social and spiritual context that Jesus called Matthew . In the Gospel of Matthew (9:9), Jesus’ call is recorded simply and powerfully: “As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.”
This moment is particularly significant. Jesus, instead of choosing religious elites or influential leaders to be his disciples, turns to a man marginalized and despised by the society of his time. Matthew's call is an act of divine mercy, an invitation to reconciliation and redemption for those whom society had rejected. Jesus does not see Matthew as an irredeemable sinner , but as a person capable of change, of transformation and of becoming an instrument of the Kingdom of God.
The act of following Jesus represents for Matthew a radical break with his past . By leaving his tax collector's table, Matthew chooses to renounce his material possessions and social status to embrace a spiritual path of poverty , humility , and service . This moment symbolizes the transformation of a man devoted to money and collaboration with the Roman Empire into a disciple of Jesus, ready to preach the Gospel and bear witness to God's grace.
A Model of Redemption
The story of Matthew is a striking illustration of God's mercy and the possibility of transformation for those who find themselves in situations of sin or spiritual estrangement. Jesus, in calling Matthew, shows that the gospel is intended for all , even those whom society considers impure sinners . Matthew is, in this regard, a model of redemption, a living demonstration that even the most rejected people can be called to serve God in his kingdom.
This call, and Matthew's immediate response to follow Jesus, also represents a call to conversion for all believers. Matthew's choice shows that no matter what spiritual or moral state a person is in, God's grace is always available to those who are willing to receive it and turn to Him.
The origins of Saint Matthew, as a tax collector rejected by his fellow citizens, highlight the importance of Jesus' universal call , which transcends social and religious boundaries. Jesus' choice of Matthew reflects a fundamental message of Christianity: God's mercy can touch every aspect of human life, even those that seem most lost or corrupt. Matthew thus becomes a powerful symbol of redemption and of the human capacity to respond to God's call, regardless of one's situation or background.
Matthew's Call
Matthew’s call is one of the most significant moments in the Gospels, and it occupies a special place in the history of Christianity. This episode, which takes place on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, illustrates not only the transformative power of Jesus but also the inclusion of sinners and the marginalized in God’s plan. The story of this call, recorded in the first three Gospels , carries profound meanings and reveals the fundamental principles of the Christian message.
The Context of the Call
Matthew, also called Levi, is a tax collector seated at his post, center stage. Tax collectors, in the Jewish context of the first century, were widely despised people. They were seen as collaborators with the Roman Empire and exploiters of their own people . They accumulated wealth at the expense of the local population, by collecting taxes for the occupying authorities. Because of this role, tax collectors were generally viewed as sinners and were often excluded from the religious practices and social interactions of devout Jews.
Thus, Matthew finds himself in a situation of social and religious marginalization . He is rejected by the Jewish community, which sees him as a traitor, and lives in a world where material wealth is often privileged to the detriment of spiritual principles. However, Jesus, in his mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God , will upset the codes of the society of his time by addressing him directly.
The Moment of the Meeting
Matthew 9:9 records this crucial moment: “As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.” These words, “Follow me,” are both a personal call and a radical invitation . In asking Matthew to follow him, Jesus is calling him to a total conversion . Matthew is being invited to leave his job as a tax collector, his social position, and his entire previous life.
The importance of this call lies in its simplicity and power. Jesus does not impose a long explanation or a set of conditions on him. He does not seek to explain to him what his future will be. Rather, the call is direct and succinct: “Follow me.” In an instant, Matthew makes the decision to leave everything behind —his material comforts, his relationships, and his role in society. He responds to Jesus’ call not with words but with a radical act of faith and detachment .
A Radically New Conversion
Matthew's gesture is that of a profound interior conversion . He abandons not only a source of income but also a well-defined social identity . In this, he embodies a total change of life. He becomes the model of an authentic Christian , ready to follow Jesus unconditionally, to turn away from his past and to walk on a path of spiritual transformation.
This moment of calling also symbolizes a reversal of human values. Jesus is not addressing the religious elite, nor those who are virtuous in the eyes of society, but a man who is rejected, seen as sinful and imperfect . This sends a powerful message that the Kingdom of God is open to all , and that there is no room in the Church for division between the pure and the impure. Matthew, a former tax collector, is a shining example of the Christian idea that all are called to repentance and conversion , regardless of their background or social status.
The inclusion of Sinners and the Marginalized
Matthew’s call to follow Jesus goes beyond the simple conversion of an individual. It is also a symbolic act of the inclusion of sinners in the Kingdom of God . In a parallel passage, the Gospels of Mark (2:15–17) and Luke (5:27–32) relate how Jesus, after Matthew’s call, has a meal with tax collectors and sinners , which provokes the indignation of the Pharisees . Jesus responds to their criticism by saying, “Those who are healthy have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31–32).
This gesture of Jesus directly opposes the idea of purification and separation that dominated in the religious circles of the time. By associating with the marginalized , he shows that divine grace has no boundaries and that no person is too lost to receive the call of Christ.
Matthew's Instant Response
Matthew’s response is equally significant. He immediately gets up and follows Jesus. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t try to rationalize the call, but responds instantly. This shows the depth of his desire for change and openness to Christ’s message. Matthew doesn’t need a grand explanation or guarantee to follow Jesus; he responds in faith , taking a personal and spiritual risk by following an unknown but inspiring master. This openness to grace is what makes his response so exemplary for Christians of all times.
Matthew's call to follow Jesus highlights the universal nature of the Gospel . This moment of encounter reveals not only Jesus' ability to transform an individual, but also the scope of his mission: to call all men, without exception , to repentance and new life in God. Matthew, by his choice to follow Jesus, becomes an icon of radical conversion , a model for all those who are ready to respond to God's call, regardless of their past.
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Matthew the Evangelist
Saint Matthew is the author of one of the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament, a foundational text for understanding the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew, probably written between 70 and 90 A.D. , occupies a central place among the Gospels, not only for its rich theological content but also for its specific purpose : to prove that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah promised by the Old Testament prophecies. Matthew strives to connect the life and actions of Jesus to the Hebrew Scriptures in order to show the Jews that Jesus is the one they have been waiting for.
The connection with the Hebrew Scriptures
The Gospel of Matthew is particularly marked by a constant concern to connect the events of Jesus' life to the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. This direct link with the Hebrew Scriptures is illustrated throughout the Gospel by quotations and allusions to the prophets of the Old Testament. Matthew thus emphasizes that the life of Jesus is the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies , in particular those which announced the coming of a Savior from the line of David.
One of the earliest evidences of this Old Testament connection is found in the genealogy of Jesus , which Matthew records at the very beginning of his Gospel (Matthew 1:1–17). This genealogy emphasizes Jesus' royal origin, descended from King David, and thus establishes a direct continuity with the promises made to the people of Israel. Matthew thus seeks to convince his Jewish readers that Jesus is not a foreigner who has come to break with tradition, but the fulfillment of divine promises made to Israel.
The Organization in Five Sections
Another striking feature of the Gospel of Matthew is its structural organization . The Gospel is divided into five major sections , each followed by a discourse or parable of Jesus. This organization is not insignificant: it refers directly to Moses , the lawgiver and leader of Israel, and to the five books of the Torah . Thus, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as a new Moses , who came to fulfill and surpass the old law. By organizing his Gospel in this way, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus, like Moses, is the mediator of a new covenant between God and humanity.
This structure is reinforced by the repeated presence of Jesus' speeches , which in each section address different themes, while remaining faithful to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God . The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a major example, where Jesus delivers fundamental teachings on the Christian life, the beatitudes, prayer, and the ethics of the Kingdom. This speech is often considered one of the most important passages of the Gospel, as it summarizes Jesus' moral and spiritual vision .
The Childhood and Birth of Jesus
The Gospel of Matthew is also distinguished by its account of Jesus' birth (Matthew 1-2), which contains several unique elements. Matthew begins by emphasizing Jesus' royal genealogy , showing his direct connection to King David and the great figures of Israel's history, such as Abraham. This detail emphasizes the royal and messianic nature of Jesus from his birth. In addition, Matthew is the only evangelist to recount the episode of the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12), thus emphasizing the universality of Jesus' message, well beyond the borders of the Jewish people. These Magi, coming from the East, come to pay homage to the new King of the Jews , which symbolizes the recognition of Jesus by the nations.
Matthew also records the Holy Family's flight to Egypt to escape persecution by Herod (Matthew 2:13-15), which is seen as a fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy: "Out of Egypt have I called my son." This connection with the Old Testament, once again, shows that the events of Jesus' birth are not isolated, but part of the great divine plan.
The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is arguably the theological heart of Matthew’s Gospel. In this discourse, Jesus sets forth the principles of the Kingdom of God , overturning human expectations and offering a path radically different from the old law. The Beatitudes , which open the sermon, describe the characteristics of those who are part of the Kingdom of God, such as poverty of spirit, meekness, purity of heart, and mercy. Jesus also teaches fundamental principles for the Christian life, such as the Lord ’s Prayer, love of enemies, and the call to spiritual perfection.
The Sermon on the Mount also sets forth very profound ethical teachings concerning the relationship of believers with the law, money, judgments, and spiritual priorities. It marks a real turning point in Jesus' approach to Jewish law, which he does not come to abolish, but to fulfill in a spirit of freedom and profound love .
Matthew and the Jews: A Gospel of Misunderstanding
Another important aspect of Matthew's Gospel is its treatment of the misunderstanding of certain Jewish groups towards Jesus. Matthew highlights the rejection of Jesus by a section of the Jewish religious authorities, the Pharisees and Sadducees , who do not recognize him as the Messiah. This rejection is often presented in the Gospel in the form of dialogues and disputes, where Jesus challenges hypocrisy and attachment to an external religious tradition that does not touch the heart of the faith. The Gospel highlights the growing tensions between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time, thus anticipating the drama of the Passion .
A Testimony of Faith and Mission
The Gospel of Matthew is a rich theological and narrative work, structured around the system of prophetic discourses and quotations that testify to Jesus' mission as the Messiah. This Gospel is an answer to the central question of the Christian faith: who is Jesus? Matthew highlights his role as the new Moses , the royal Messiah , and the universal savior , while emphasizing his radical moral and spiritual teaching. By presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel, Matthew invites his readers to join the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom of justice, mercy, and peace , where all, without distinction, are called to enter through faith in Jesus Christ.
Matthew and the Other Apostles
Matthew, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, holds a special place among the early disciples. Although he does not have the same leadership role as Peter , John , or James , his calling by Jesus and his contribution to the spread of the gospel are essential. Matthew is not mentioned as frequently in the Gospels as these other key figures, but his written witness and faithfulness to the Christian mission are fundamental elements in the development of the early church.
Matthew in the Group of Twelve
Matthew was one of the twelve apostles , a select group chosen by Jesus to be privileged witnesses of his life, death, and resurrection. He is a tax collector , a profession often despised in Jewish society at the time, which makes his calling by Jesus even more significant. This choice by Jesus testifies to his radical teaching that the Kingdom of God is open to all, without social or moral distinction. Matthew thus joins the other apostles, such as Peter, James, and John, in his mission to announce the Kingdom of God and to bear witness to the divinity of Jesus.
Although Matthew is not as central to the Gospel events as Peter, who is often shown as the spokesman for the apostles, he appears several times in the lists of the apostles in the Gospels (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13). This shows that he was an integral part of the circle of close disciples of Jesus, present at the great moments of Christ's public life, even if he is not always mentioned by name in the accounts.
The Ministry After the Ascension of Jesus
After Jesus' ascension, Matthew continued his mission as an apostle. He is widely recognized as one of the key witnesses to Jesus' resurrection and Christian teaching. According to early Christian traditions, Matthew continued to preach and proclaim the gospel , following the example of the other apostles.
The precise details of his ministry after the Ascension vary among sources and traditions. Some reports claim that Matthew continued his apostolate in Palestine , where he preached to Jews and sought to establish a church based on the Jewish understanding of Scripture , proving Jesus as the Messiah. Other traditions claim that Matthew traveled further , preaching in more distant parts of the Roman Empire.
The Universal Call: From Palestine to Ethiopia and Beyond
Christian traditions vary as to the specific locations of Matthew's apostleship. Some ancient sources state that Matthew preached in Ethiopia , where he converted many people to Christianity. Other traditions say that Matthew traveled to Mesopotamia , a region rich in cultures and religions, or to parts of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), where he ministered among scattered Jewish communities.
The idea that Matthew preached far from Palestine illustrates the universal scope of the Christian mission. It was not just a message for Jews, but also for Gentiles , as evidenced by Peter's preaching in Caesarea and the opening of the gospel to the nations. The book of Matthew itself, which makes strong connections to the Hebrew Scriptures while presenting Jesus as a Savior for all, reflects this idea of a universal mission .
Matthew and the Other Apostles
Matthew, while an important figure in the group of the twelve apostles , does not have the same visibility as Peter or John, two of the apostles most often mentioned in the Gospel accounts. However, he plays a crucial role, particularly in the development of Christian theology through his Gospel. While Peter is often seen as the spokesman and leader of the apostles, and John occupies a special role in the narration of the events of the Passion, Matthew strives to connect the work of Jesus to the Jewish scriptures , thus emphasizing that the Christian message is in continuity with the Old Testament, but also that it goes beyond the boundaries of the old covenant.
Matthew also experienced at close range the internal conflicts between Jesus and certain religious groups, notably the Pharisees and Sadducees . His Gospel, more than the others, presents the growing tensions between Jesus and the Jewish religious elite, and it probably also reflects the difficulties that the early Christians faced as a minority and peripheral movement within first-century Judaism.
Although Matthew is not as often at the center of the Gospel accounts as some of his fellow apostles, his role in the group of the twelve and in the spread of the Gospel is undeniable. Through his Gospel , Matthew contributed significantly to the founding of the Christian Church, showing that Jesus is not only the Messiah awaited by the Jews, but also the Savior of the whole world. His apostolate after Jesus' Ascension helped to spread the Christian message to various regions, and his life testifies to Christ's universal call to conversion , mercy , and the unity of the Kingdom of God.
The Spiritual Heritage of Saint Matthew
The spiritual legacy of Saint Matthew is inseparable from his role as an evangelist and his contribution to early Christian theology . As the author of one of the four Gospels of the New Testament, Matthew played a key role in the building of the early Church, particularly by emphasizing the relationship between Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures. His Gospel not only marked the evolution of Christian thought, but also paved the way for the inclusiveness of Christianity, welcoming Jews and Gentiles into the same kingdom of God.
Matthew as a Bridge between Judaism and Christianity
The Gospel of Matthew is distinguished by its desire to establish a theological continuity between Judaism and Christianity . While Judaism preached the expectation of the Messiah, Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of this expectation, emphasizing the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Through constant references to the Hebrew Scriptures, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus is the promised Messiah , the one who comes not to abolish the law, but to complete it and fulfill it in his person.
Matthew thus establishes an inseparable link between Jewish tradition and the emergence of Christianity, making him a bridge between the two religions. This connection between the Old and New Testaments is particularly evident in the importance that Matthew gives to the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17), emphasizing his Jewish roots and his place in the history of Israel. His Gospel was thus a valuable tool for the first Christians seeking to convince the Jews that Jesus was indeed the one the prophets had announced.
The Gospel of Matthew and Christian Theology
The influence of Matthew's Gospel on Christian theology is immense. In addition to its theological dimension, which establishes Jesus as the new Moses and the expected Messiah , Matthew places particular emphasis on the moral and ethical teachings of Christ. His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of the most famous passages of the Gospel, where Jesus presents radical principles for the kingdom of God: the beatitudes , the call to love one's enemies, and the rules of a justice superior to that of the Pharisees. These teachings constitute the foundation of Christian ethics, which values mercy , humility , and unconditional love .
Furthermore, Matthew's Gospel emphasizes the universal mission of Jesus, with the apostles being sent out to evangelize the nations (Matthew 28:19–20). This mission of universal evangelization is at the heart of Matthew's spiritual legacy, which sees Jesus as a Savior not only of Jews but of all peoples. This message of inclusiveness was essential to the rapid expansion of Christianity from the small Jewish community in Jerusalem to a global religion.
The Power of Conversion
One of the great themes of St. Matthew’s spiritual legacy is conversion . His own calling by Jesus, while he was a tax collector, represents a powerful model of personal transformation. Matthew embodies the idea that even sinners and outcasts can be called to follow Jesus and become instruments of his kingdom. This idea is at the heart of his Gospel, which not only describes Jesus as a Messiah for the Jewish people, but also as one who calls the public sinful , the marginalized , and the sinners to repent and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew himself, a tax collector , a profession despised by the pious Jews of the time, represents this radical transformation . By following Jesus, he becomes a living testimony to God's love and mercy, proving that no one is beyond the reach of salvation. Thus, Matthew's conversion from tax collector to apostle and evangelist becomes a model of spiritual renewal and hope for all believers.
Devotion to Saint Matthew
In addition to his theological influence, Matthew is also a figure of Christian devotion. He is often depicted in Christian art holding a book or a reed pen (stylus), symbolizing his role as the sacred scribe and writer of the Gospel. This iconography underscores his importance not only as a witness to the life and teachings of Jesus, but also as a faithful transmitter of those teachings throughout the ages.
His feast day, celebrated on September 21 , is a special time for Christians to meditate on the importance of conversion and the call of Jesus . This day is an opportunity to reflect on how each Christian, through his or her own journey of faith, is called to follow Jesus, to convert, and to proclaim Christ's message to others. The feast of Saint Matthew also symbolizes evangelization , the call of every believer to share the Gospel with the world.
The spiritual legacy of Saint Matthew is based on his major role in transmitting the Christian message through the Gospel, his bridge between Judaism and Christianity, and his witness of conversion and divine mercy . He invites us to an active faith, to a radical transformation of our lives, and to a mission of universal evangelization . Through Matthew's example, we understand that Jesus' call is not only for the righteous, but for all, without distinction, and that God's mercy can touch and transform even the most lost souls.
The Death of Saint Matthew
The death of Saint Matthew is shrouded in mystery, and historical sources on the subject are limited, leading to the emergence of several traditions regarding the manner of his death. While some accounts emphasize his violent death , often as a martyr, others claim that he died in more peaceful circumstances, after dedicating his life to preaching the Gospel. Regardless, Matthew's death, whether martyrdom or natural, remains a powerful symbol of fidelity and devotion to the call of Jesus.
The Traditions of the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew
The most common Christian tradition relates that Saint Matthew died a martyr for his faith, thus testifying to the high price of Christian commitment. According to some ancient writings, Matthew was executed by the sword or by fire, because of his missionary activities. Death by the sword is a form of martyrdom often associated with the apostles, emphasizing the ultimate fidelity to the proclamation of the Gospel, even in the face of the threat of death. Other traditions suggest that Matthew was burned alive , which would have symbolized the fact that he was willing to sacrifice himself entirely for his faith and for the propagation of the message of Christ.
Ancient writings, however, do not always agree on the precise location where Matthew was martyred. Some traditions indicate that his death occurred in Ethiopia , a region that would have been an important center for Christian evangelism at the time, while others suggest a death in Mesopotamia or India . In these regions, Matthew would have continued his preaching mission, extending Christian teaching far beyond the borders of Judea and the Roman world. These traditions suggest a missionary journey marked by remoteness and a total dedication to the spread of the gospel.
The Peaceful Death of Saint Matthew
However, some ancient authors, such as the historian Eusebius of Caesarea , claim that Matthew was not martyred, but rather died naturally in a distant place, probably in India or Ethiopia , after leading a life of preaching. According to this tradition, Matthew would have remained faithful to his calling throughout his life, preaching the Gospel in distant lands, without suffering the persecutions that befell other apostles. This would reinforce the image of Matthew not only as an evangelist but also as a tireless missionary , always looking for new souls to reach.
This version of his death emphasizes Matthew's faithfulness to his mission, even without the necessity of shedding his blood for Christ. He would have, according to this tradition, lived and preached in places where Christianity was still in its infancy, cementing his reputation as an apostle and witness for Christ in remote areas of the Roman world.
The Testimony of the Death of Saint Matthew
Whether Matthew died a martyr or in peace after a life of mission, his death remains a testimony of deep commitment to the Gospel and the divine call. The fact that we do not know precisely when and how Matthew died only adds to the mystical aura that surrounds his person. The diversity of traditions concerning his death shows that his witness was widely respected in the early Christian communities, who saw in him a model of fidelity, conversion, and dedication.
Thus, the death of Saint Matthew can be seen as a glorious finale to his life of preaching and faith, in which he remained faithful to the end to his call to follow Jesus and proclaim the Kingdom of God . Christians of all ages find in his example an inspiration to live a life of total devotion , no matter the cost. Whether through the suffering of martyrdom or through quiet preaching in distant pagan lands, Matthew embodies a model of Christian commitment and a testimony to the power of the divine call .
Conclusion
Saint Matthew is an iconic figure in the Christian Church, not only as an apostle and evangelist, but also as a living witness to divine grace . His story, marked by a radical conversion, his commitment to the preaching of Christ, and the writing of one of the most influential Gospels, continues to inspire believers around the world. In celebrating his feast, Christians remember that every human being , regardless of their past or sins, can be called by God to participate in his saving work, just as Saint Matthew did.
