Saint Matthew the Apostle

Who Was Saint Matthew the Apostle?

Saint Matthew the Apostle, also known as Matthew the Evangelist, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. Before becoming a disciple, he worked as a tax collector in Galilee.

His life changed when Jesus called him to follow Him. Matthew left his former occupation and became a witness to Christ's ministry, death, and Resurrection.

Orthodox Christian tradition honors Saint Matthew as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. His story is especially associated with repentance, divine mercy, and the transforming power of faith.

Was Saint Matthew the Apostle Also Called Levi?

Orthodox tradition identifies the Apostle Matthew with Levi, the tax collector mentioned in the Gospels of Mark and Luke.

Matthew 9:9 describes Jesus calling a man named Matthew from the tax office, while Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27 describe a similar encounter involving Levi.

For this reason, the names Matthew, Levi, Matthew the Publican, and Matthew the Evangelist are traditionally associated with the same Apostle.

The Gospels do not explicitly explain the relationship between these names, but their identification has long been accepted in Orthodox Church tradition.

Why Was Saint Matthew a Tax Collector?

Before following Christ, Matthew worked collecting taxes in the region of Galilee, where taxation operated within the political system of Roman rule.

Tax collectors were often unpopular because they were associated with foreign authority, financial burdens, and sometimes corrupt practices.

In the Gospel accounts, tax collectors were frequently grouped with people regarded as sinners or social outsiders.

Matthew's calling therefore carries particular significance: Jesus invited someone with a widely criticized occupation to become one of His closest disciples.

How Did Jesus Call Saint Matthew?

The calling of Saint Matthew is recorded in Matthew 9:9.

Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the tax office and said, "Follow me." Matthew rose and followed Him.

Christ later shared a meal with tax collectors and other people who were criticized by religious authorities.

When questioned about this, Jesus emphasized the importance of mercy and His mission to call sinners to repentance.

For Orthodox Christians, Matthew's response illustrates that no profession, social reputation, or previous way of life places a person beyond the possibility of repentance and spiritual renewal.

Did Saint Matthew Write the Gospel of Matthew?

Early Christian tradition attributes the first canonical Gospel to Saint Matthew the Apostle.

The Gospel presents Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and emphasizes the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures.

Its surviving text is written in Greek. Modern biblical scholarship generally treats the Gospel as formally anonymous and debates its direct apostolic authorship.

Nevertheless, the Orthodox Church preserves the traditional association between Matthew the Evangelist and the Gospel bearing his name.

What Is the Main Message of the Gospel of Matthew?

The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises and the King of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Several important teachings appear in this Gospel:

• The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7): Christ teaches about humility, mercy, prayer, forgiveness, and righteousness.
• The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6): Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray.
• The Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13): Christ describes the growth and meaning of God's Kingdom.
• The Teaching on Forgiveness (Matthew 18): Jesus emphasizes mercy toward others.
• The Final Judgment (Matthew 25): Christ connects care for those in need with faithful Christian living.
• The Great Commission (Matthew 28): The risen Christ commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations.

These teachings remain central to Orthodox Christian worship, spiritual education, and everyday life.

What Happened to Saint Matthew After the Resurrection?

After the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ, Matthew remained among the Apostles who proclaimed the Gospel.

The Book of Acts names him among the apostolic community gathered in Jerusalem.

Later Orthodox traditions describe missionary journeys associated with Matthew in regions including Syria, Persia, and Ethiopia.

The precise routes and historical details of these journeys cannot be established with certainty. They belong primarily to the Church's accounts of his apostolic life.

How Did Saint Matthew the Apostle Die?

Orthodox tradition commonly remembers Saint Matthew as a martyr who suffered death while preaching the Gospel.

Accounts of his final missionary work and martyrdom vary among ancient Christian traditions. Some associate his death with Ethiopia, while others preserve different locations and circumstances.

Although these details remain historically uncertain, the Orthodox Church honors Saint Matthew for his faithful service as an Apostle and Evangelist.

When Is Saint Matthew the Apostle's Orthodox Feast Day?

The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the principal feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle on November 16.

Churches following the traditional Julian calendar currently observe this commemoration on November 29 according to the civil Gregorian calendar.

Saint Matthew is also honored on June 30 during the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles.

His November commemoration falls during the Nativity Fast, although specific fasting allowances may vary according to local church calendars.

For detailed dates, calendar differences, fasting traditions, and ways to observe his commemoration, read our Saint Matthew the Apostle Feast Day Guide.

What Does the Orthodox Icon of Saint Matthew Mean?

Orthodox icons of Saint Matthew portray him as an Apostle and Evangelist, emphasizing his witness to Christ and his traditional association with the first Gospel.

Common iconographic features include:

• Gospel Book: Represents his role as an Evangelist and teacher of Christ's message.
• Scroll: Symbolizes apostolic teaching and the proclamation of Scripture.
• Halo: Signifies holiness and participation in God's grace.
• Writing desk: Sometimes appears in icons showing Matthew composing his Gospel.
• Winged man: The traditional symbol associated with Matthew among the Four Evangelists.

Saint Matthew may also appear in icons of the Twelve Apostles, Pentecost, and other important events in the life of the Church.

Explore our introduction to Orthodox icons and their meaning to understand the visual language of sacred images.

Why Is a Winged Man the Symbol of Saint Matthew?

The winged man, sometimes described as an angel-like figure, is the traditional symbol of Matthew the Evangelist.

The symbol belongs to the four living creatures associated with the Four Evangelists in Christian art, drawing on the biblical visions of Ezekiel and Revelation.

Matthew is associated with the winged man because his Gospel begins with the human genealogy of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His entry into human history.

The other traditional Evangelist symbols are the lion for Mark, the ox for Luke, and the eagle for John.

These symbols help identify the Evangelists in Orthodox icons, mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, and church architecture.

What Can Orthodox Christians Learn From Saint Matthew?

Saint Matthew's transformation from a tax collector into an Apostle offers several important lessons.

• Repentance: A person can change direction and begin a new spiritual life.
• Obedience: Matthew responded to Christ's call without recorded hesitation.
• Mercy: Christ's encounter with Matthew demonstrates God's willingness to call sinners to repentance.
• Humility: Earthly occupation and social status do not determine spiritual worth.
• Faithfulness: Christian discipleship involves continuing to follow Christ through service and sacrifice.

His example reminds Orthodox believers that Christ calls people from many different backgrounds and that genuine faith can transform the direction of an entire life.

How Do Orthodox Christians Pray to Saint Matthew?

Orthodox Christians honor Saint Matthew as an Apostle and ask for his intercession before God.

A short personal prayer may be offered:

O holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray to God for us. Help us turn away from sin, grow in humility, and follow Christ with sincere hearts. Guide us toward mercy, truth, and a life of faithful service. Amen.

This is a simple devotional prayer rather than an official liturgical text.

Saint Matthew is also honored through the traditional troparion and kontakion appointed for his feast.

Choosing a Saint Matthew Icon or Orthodox Gift

An Orthodox icon of Saint Matthew can be a meaningful addition to a home prayer corner, especially for Christians who admire his journey from tax collector to Apostle.

It can also be a thoughtful gift for someone named Matthew, a person celebrating an Orthodox name day, a student of Scripture, or someone beginning a new chapter of Christian life.

Saint Matthew is traditionally associated with tax collectors and, in wider Christian devotion, accountants and financial professionals.

Explore the Orthodox Apostle Icons Collection at Mercy Fold to discover sacred images of the Apostles and Evangelists.

You can also browse Orthodox Saint Icons and Orthodox Christian Books for meaningful gifts and spiritual reading.

For practical guidance, visit our article on how to choose an Orthodox icon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Matthew the Apostle

Was Saint Matthew one of the Twelve Apostles?

Yes. Saint Matthew was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ and is named in the New Testament lists of the Apostles.

Was Saint Matthew a tax collector before following Jesus?

Yes. Matthew 9:9 describes him sitting at the tax office when Christ called him to become a disciple.

Are Matthew and Levi the same person?

Orthodox tradition identifies Matthew with Levi, the tax collector mentioned in Mark and Luke. The Gospels themselves use different names in their accounts of the calling.

Why is Saint Matthew called an Evangelist?

He is called an Evangelist because Christian tradition attributes the Gospel of Matthew to him. Evangelist means someone who proclaims or communicates the Gospel.

What is Saint Matthew the Apostle's feast day?

His principal Eastern Orthodox feast is November 16, corresponding to November 29 on the current civil calendar for churches using the Julian calendar.

Is Saint Matthew the same as Saint Mark?

No. Matthew and Mark are two different Evangelists. Both are traditionally associated with Gospels in the New Testament, but Matthew was also one of the Twelve Apostles.

What does the winged man represent in Saint Matthew's icon?

The winged man symbolizes Matthew's Gospel, particularly its opening account of Jesus Christ's human genealogy and His place within salvation history.

Can Saint Matthew be an Orthodox patron saint?

Yes. An Orthodox Christian may honor Saint Matthew as a patron saint, particularly when the name Matthew is received at Baptism. Learn more about finding your Orthodox patron saint.

Remembering Saint Matthew the Apostle

Saint Matthew the Apostle remains a powerful example of repentance, obedience, and the transforming mercy of Jesus Christ.

His calling reminds Christians that no previous occupation or reputation prevents a person from responding to God's invitation.

Through the Gospel traditionally associated with his name, Saint Matthew continues to direct readers toward the teachings of Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the importance of living with mercy and faithfulness.

Discover more about his annual commemoration in our Saint Matthew Feast Day Guide, and explore traditional sacred imagery in the Orthodox Apostle Icons Collection at Mercy Fold.