Unveiling Saint Matthew: A Comprehensive Guide to the Apostle and Evangelist

Introduction

Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, holds a prominent position in both the New Testament and Christian tradition. As the author of the Gospel of Matthew, he played a pivotal role in documenting the life and teachings of Jesus. This detailed blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Saint Matthew, covering his life, ministry, and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Profession

Born in the 1st century AD, Matthew was originally known as Levi. He worked as a tax collector for the Roman government in Capernaum, a town on the Sea of Galilee. Tax collectors were often despised by the Jewish people as they were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers.

The Call of Jesus

Capernaum Encounter

Matthew’s life took a dramatic turn when he encountered Jesus in Capernaum. According to the Gospels, Jesus called Levi to follow him, and Matthew immediately left everything behind and became a disciple. This encounter marked the beginning of Matthew’s journey as a follower of Christ.

Tax Collector to Apostle

Matthew’s background as a tax collector made him an unlikely candidate for apostleship. Yet, Jesus saw beyond his profession and recognized his potential as a witness and a leader. Matthew became one of the twelve apostles, the inner circle of Jesus’ closest followers throughout his ministry.

Matthew’s Gospel

Saint Matthew is traditionally attributed as the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament, known as the Gospel of Matthew. It is believed to have been written around 80-90 AD, initially for a Jewish-Christian audience.

Key Themes

• Emphasis on Jesus’ Jewishness: Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ connection to the Old Testament and Jewish tradition.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Gospel presents Jesus as the fulfillment of numerous prophecies from the Hebrew Bible.
• Instruction for the Church: Matthew includes teachings on Christian ethics, discipleship, and the kingdom of God.

Structure and Content

• Genealogy and Infancy Narratives: The Gospel begins with Jesus’ genealogy and accounts of his virgin birth and childhood.
• Sermon on the Mount: A central section of the Gospel contains Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, outlining his ethical teachings.
• Parables: Matthew’s Gospel includes numerous parables used by Jesus to illustrate his teachings.
• Passion, Death, and Resurrection: The Gospel culminates in the account of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.

Ministry and Mission

Following Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Matthew continued his mission as a disciple and evangelist. Church tradition holds that he preached in various regions, including Judea, Ethiopia, and Parthia.

Spread of Christianity

Matthew played a significant role in spreading the Christian faith beyond Palestine. His Gospel became a vital tool for mission work, providing a written account of Jesus’ life and teachings to Gentile audiences.

Martyrdom and Legacy

According to tradition, Saint Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia around the year 60 AD. His death served as a testament to his unwavering faith and the sacrifices made by early Christians.

Prayer and Patronage

Saint Matthew has been venerated as a saint by the Christian Church since the earliest centuries. He is often portrayed holding a money bag to symbolize his past as a tax collector and a scroll or book representing his Gospel.

Patron Saint

Saint Matthew is considered the patron saint of accountants, tax collectors, and bankers due to his association with the tax collection profession.

Prayer to Saint Matthew

O Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist, you who left all to follow Jesus, pray for us who struggle to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. Help us to be faithful witnesses like you and to proclaim the good news of God’s love and salvation.

Conclusion

Saint Matthew’s life and legacy stand as a testament to the transformative power of faith. From being an outcast to a chosen apostle, he became an instrumental figure in the early Church, authoring one of the most important Gospels. Saint Matthew’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his example of conversion continue to inspire Christians throughout the ages.