Early Life and Call
The earliest references to Matthew are found in the synoptic Gospels. He is introduced as a tax collector (publican) in Capernaum, a profession despised by his fellow Jews for its association with Roman oppression and potential for corruption. Matthew, also known as Levi (Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27), was the son of Alpheus. His calling is succinctly described in Matthew 9:9:

“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.”

This brief but profound encounter is often reflected upon as a paradigm of Christ’s mercy and the transformative power of divine invitation.

Role Among the Apostles

After his calling, Matthew hosted a feast for Jesus, during which many tax collectors and sinners joined (Matthew 9:10-13). This drew criticism from the Pharisees, to which Jesus responded that He came “not to call the righteous, but sinners.” This event further solidifies Matthew’s reputation as a symbol of those redeemed from lives of sin.

Matthew is named among the twelve in all three synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16) and in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:13). While little is recorded about his actions after Pentecost, tradition holds that he was present at the descent of the Holy Spirit and participated actively in the early Christian community.

The Gospel According to Matthew

Matthew is widely regarded as the author of the first Gospel, although modern biblical scholarship acknowledges that the Gospel was likely written in Greek, between 70 and 90 AD, and drew upon earlier oral and written traditions. Nevertheless, ancient Church tradition, including Papias of Hierapolis (c.130 AD), attributed its authorship to Matthew, noting that “Matthew compiled the sayings in the Hebrew language, and everyone translated them as he was able”.

The Gospel of Matthew is notable for its structure, thematic emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and its portrayal of Jesus as the new Moses and the promised Messiah. It contains the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, and the Lord’s Prayer, texts central to Catholic teaching and liturgy. Through his Gospel, St. Matthew has profoundly shaped Christian theology, catechesis, and spirituality.

Missionary Activity and Later Life

The New Testament is largely silent regarding Matthew’s life after the events chronicled in the Gospels and Acts. Tradition, however, fills in many of the gaps. Early Christian writers, such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Eusebius, and Rufinus, suggest that Matthew preached to the Jewish communities in Judea before embarking on missionary journeys.

Patristic sources and medieval hagiographies relate that Matthew traveled to regions including Ethiopia, Persia, Parthia, and possibly Macedonia and Syria, spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities. The Roman Martyrology simply states that he suffered martyrdom while preaching the faith.

Martyrdom

There are various traditions regarding Matthew’s death. The most common account, preserved in the “Golden Legend” compiled by Jacobus de Voragine, tells that Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia at the city of Naddabar (or Hierapolis) while celebrating Mass. He was said to have been killed by the sword, though other sources mention stoning or burning. The exact year is unknown, but his martyrdom is generally placed in the first century AD, around 60-70 AD.

Legacy and Veneration

St. Matthew has been venerated since the earliest centuries of the Church. Relics attributed to him have been claimed by several sites, most notably the Cathedral of Salerno in Italy, which has been a major pilgrimage destination since the eleventh century when his remains were translated there.

In art, St. Matthew is traditionally depicted as a bearded man, often with a book, pen, or scroll, symbolizing his role as Evangelist. He is sometimes shown with an angel, a reference to the symbol assigned to him in Christian iconography, where the four Evangelists are represented by the four living creatures of Revelation: Matthew as the “man” or “angel,” Mark as the lion, Luke as the ox, and John as the eagle (see Revelation 4:7).

St. Matthew’s Gospel continues to be foundational for liturgy, catechesis, and theology. His example speaks to the possibility of conversion, the mercy of Christ, and the power of proclamation.