General presentation of Saint Matthew
Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Before becoming an apostle, he worked as a tax collector in Capernaum, a profession despised at the time due to the negative perception linked to corruption and tax oppression. His calling was marked by a direct invitation from Jesus who asked him to "follow him." After responding to this call, Matthew wrote one of the four Gospels, the Gospel according to Matthew, which is especially aimed at a Jewish audience and highlights the fulfillment of messianic prophecies in Jesus' life. He is celebrated on September 21 in the Catholic Church and is the patron saint of accountants, customs officers, and tax collectors.
Correspondence chart of Saint Matthew
| Role | Apostle, evangelist |
| Patronage | Accountants, customs officers, bankers |
| Feast | September 21 |
Symbols and appearances of Saint Matthew
Saint Matthew is often depicted as a winged man, linking him to the symbols of the four evangelists. In some artworks, he is shown holding a book or scroll, symbolizing his gospel, and sometimes with an angel by his side, signifying his divine inspiration in writing his gospel.
Myths of Saint Matthew
According to tradition, Saint Matthew is said to have preached the Gospel in Judea, then in other regions such as Ethiopia or Persia. He is believed to have been martyred for his faith, although details about his death vary depending on the sources. Some legends say he was killed by an Ethiopian king, while others suggest he was beheaded. His gospel is considered one of the pillars of Christian doctrine due to its emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
