General Presentation of the Apostle Matthew
Saint Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His profession as a publican made him unpopular among the Jews, as tax collectors were often seen as collaborators with the Romans. However, Matthew answered Jesus' call and left his profession to follow Him. He is traditionally recognized as the author of the first Gospel of the New Testament, although some modern scholars believe that the Gospel attributed to Matthew may have been written by another Jewish Christian author toward the end of the 1st century.
Symbols and Appearances of the Apostle Matthew
Saint Matthew is often depicted with a book or a scroll, symbolizing the Gospel he wrote, as well as a winged man, which represents the evangelist in Christian iconography. This symbol highlights the human aspect of Christ, as described in the Gospel of Matthew, which emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecies and the connection between Jesus and Jewish traditions.
Myths and Legends of the Apostle Matthew
According to tradition, Saint Matthew first preached in Judea before traveling to other regions, notably Persia and Ethiopia. His death, often described as a martyrdom, is surrounded by several legendary versions, one of which tells that he was killed by an Ethiopian king for converting the royal family. His Gospel is one of the most influential, particularly for its emphasis on the messianic kingship of Jesus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
