Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

His exact birth date is unknown, but Matthew is generally believed to have been born in the first century, probably around AD 10, in Capernaum, Galilee. He was a Jewish tax collector for the Romans working and living in Capernum, a profession widely disliked by the Jews due to its association with Roman oppression and financial exploitation/corruption. Tax collectors like Matthew were widely despised as collaborators who often extorted extra payments for personal gain, aligning themselves with the Roman authorities and thus violating Jewish purity and communal norms.

“Gift of Yaweh”

Mark (Mark 2:14) and Luke (Luke 5:27) call Matthew by his Jewish name, Levi. Mark also says that he was “the son of Alphaeus”. He may have been the brother of the Apostle James, who is also called the “the son of Alphaeus” (Mark 3:18). The name Matthew means “gift of Yaweh” and it is possible that he was given this name when he followed Jesus.

Followed Jesus

One day, Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the tax booth. After Matthew heard the voice of Jesus Christ: “Come, follow Me” (Mt. 9:9), he immediately got up, left everything, and followed Him. Matthew had a feast in his house, where tax-collectors and sinners sat at table with Christ and His disciples, who did not refuse Matthew’s invitation, sharing a table with the Matthew’s friends and acquaintances.

Matthew was despised by the Pharisees who hated all publicans (tax collectors for the Romans). To even speak with a tax-collector was considered a sin, and to associate with one was defilement. But the Jewish teachers were not able to comprehend that the Lord had “come to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mt. 9:13).

Repentant Sinner

Acknowledging his sinfulness, Matthew repaid fourfold anyone he had cheated and distributed his remaining possessions to the poor. In Matthew 10:1-8, Jesus commissions the Twelve, including Matthew, with authority to drive out unclean spirits, heal diseases, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons, while instructing them to proclaim the kingdom of heaven as they travel among Israelite villages. No further allusion is made to Matthew in the Gospels, except in the list of the Apostles.

After becoming a disciple and one of the Twelve Apostles, Matthew traveled with Jesus and witnessed His teachings, miracles, Passion, death, and Resurrection of the Savior . He was also among the Apostles who were present at His glorious Ascension into Heaven. Afterwards, Matthew withdrew to an upper chamber, in Jerusalem, praying in union with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and with his brethren (Acts 1:10 and 1:14).

Gospel Writer

The Gospel of Matthew nowhere mentions that it is written by a man named Matthew. But it was attributed to him very early in the life of the Church. Matthew’s Gospel is clearly written by a Jew and for Jews. It references the Old Testament repeatedly and notes how Jesus fulfilled those ancient Scriptures. Matthew’s Gospel is the only one which identifies him as a tax collector.

Matthew is traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel according to Matthew, which was composed to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. His Gospel is notable for its detailed account of Jesus’ teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, and the Lord’s Prayer. These teachings continue to be foundational in Christian ethics and spirituality.

Gospel Preacher

Having received the grace of the Holy Spirit, which descended upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, Matthew preached in Palestine for several years. Saint Irenaeus tells us that Matthew preached the Gospel among the Hebrews and Saint Clement of Alexandria claimed that he did this for fifteen years. Later, Matthew traveled to distant regions, including Macedonia, Syria, Persia, Parthia, and Ethiopia. In these areas, he is said to have baptized converts and established communities of believers, emphasizing Christ’s teachings on repentance and the kingdom of heaven. However, specific details of his activities there remain sparse in historical records.

His Final Years and Death

Iphigenia, the eldest daughter of the newly converted king of Ethiopia, had not only become a Christian, but also, with the knowledge and consent of Matthew, had consecrated her virginity to the Almighty, after having frequently heard Matthew preach on the priceless value of purity. Her example was followed by many other virgins, who, choosing the princess as their superior, lived together and occupied their time in prayer and work. Hirtacus, who succeeded to the throne, asked the hand of Iphigenia in marriage. She was already consecrated to the Almighty and refused him, saying that she had promised to be faithful to her heavenly bridegroom.

The king, Hirtacus, greatly provoked at this answer, called on Matthew, as Iphigenia’s instructor. He requested Matthew to induce her to consent to his proposal. Matthew promised to give his advice to Iphigenia on the following day, in presence of the king. The next morning, in a sermon, he explained first, that matrimony, instituted by the Almighty, is in itself a lawful and holy state, which everyone who desired it might enter. After this, he began to praise the state of virginity and to demonstrate that it is much more agreeable and pleasing to God than the state of matrimony. Matthew added very emphatically, that when any one, after due deliberation, had consecrated his purity to the Almighty, the vow could not be broken without great sin.

King Hirtacus left the church, full of rage. Following the advice of some wicked people, he sent some of his soldiers to kill Matthew. One of these, going towards Matthew, who was standing before the altar, thrust his spear into his body. Matthew sinking down, died. However, some maintain, that he was beheaded with an axe. According to tradition he died a Martyr: it is not really known whether he was speared, burned, stoned, or beheaded.

Although the exact date and place, Matthew is thought to have died around 68 AD in either Ethiopia or Persia (Turkey).

Born:                     Around 10 AD most likely Capernaum, Galilee, Israel

Died:                     Around 68 in Ethiopia or Persia (Turkey)

Beatified:             Pre-Congregation

Canonized:          Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:           September 21, October 22 (Coptic Orthodox), November 16 (Eastern Christianity)

Patron Saint:      Accountants; Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.; Bankers; Bookkeepers; Custom Officers; Diocese of Trier, Germany; Security Guards; Stock Brokers; Tax Collectors

Source:

• St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Catholic Fire
• CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Matthew the Apostle
• Apostle and Evangelist Matthew – Orthodox Church in America
• Saint Matthew The Apostle – Saint for a Minute
• Matthew the Apostle – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

September 21: St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist – YouTube (Catholic Saints & Feasts)