Matthew the Apostle

Matthew the Apostle was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Christian tradition widely identifies him as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, leading to the title Matthew the Evangelist. His calling by Jesus is recorded in the New Testament, where he is depicted as a tax collector in Capernaum.

Ministry and Tradition

According to early Church Fathers such as Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria, Matthew initially preached the gospel to the Jewish community in Judea. He is also said to have traveled to other countries, with most sources mentioning Ethiopia, though this is often interpreted as the region south of the Caspian Sea, now known as ancient Persia. Both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches hold the tradition that Matthew died as a martyr.

Authorship of the Gospel of Matthew

Early Christian tradition, as attested by Papias of Hierapolis and Origen, attributes the Gospel of Matthew to the Apostle Matthew, suggesting it was originally written in Hebrew for Hebrew Christians near Jerusalem. However, most modern scholars contend that the Gospel was written anonymously and may only incorporate a source written by the disciple. Non-canonical gospels attributed to Matthew were also used by certain Jewish-Christian groups.

Veneration and Artistic Depiction

Matthew is recognized as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican churches, with specific feast days observed. His tomb is located in Salerno Cathedral, Italy. In Christian art, Matthew is typically depicted with a winged man, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, and is famously portrayed in Caravaggio's paintings in Rome, depicting his calling by Christ from his former profession as a tax collector.

Other Traditions

In Islam, Matthew is named among the disciples of Jesus in Muslim exegesis. The Druze faith also honors Matthew the Apostle as a prophet and a significant figure, grouping him with other prominent prophets of the first century.

Frequently Asked Questions

{ "q": "Who was Matthew the Apostle?", "a": "Matthew the Apostle was one of the twelve original disciples of Jesus Christ. He is traditionally recognized as the author of the Gospel of Matthew and is also known as Matthew the Evangelist." }

{ "q": "What was Matthew's profession before following Jesus?", "a": "According to the New Testament, Matthew was a tax collector. He was sitting at the 'receipt of custom' in Capernaum when Jesus called him to follow." }

{ "q": "Where did Matthew the Apostle preach the gospel?", "a": "Church Fathers state that Matthew preached the gospel in Judea. He is also traditioned to have gone to other countries, with Ethiopia (likely ancient Persia) being frequently mentioned." }

{ "q": "Is Matthew considered a martyr?", "a": "Yes, both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church hold the tradition that Matthew died as a martyr for his faith." }

{ "q": "Who is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew?", "a": "Early Church tradition, including figures like Papias and Origen, attributes the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew to the Apostle Matthew." }

{ "q": "What are the symbols associated with Matthew the Apostle?", "a": "In Christian art, Matthew is often depicted with a winged man, which is one of the four living creatures of Revelation 4:7, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's inspiration." }

{ "q": "Where is Matthew the Apostle venerated?", "a": "Matthew the Apostle is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican churches. His tomb is located in Salerno, Italy." }