Matthew the Evangelist, also known as Levi, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the traditionally attributed author of the Gospel of Matthew. His role as an apostle and evangelist is significant in the early Christian church, and his Gospel is the first book of the New Testament, providing a bridge between the Old and New Testaments.

Background and Calling

Matthew was a tax collector by profession, a position often associated with corruption and collaboration with the Roman authorities. Tax collectors were generally despised by the Jewish population for their perceived greed and betrayal. Despite this, Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, demonstrating the transformative power of His ministry and the inclusivity of His message. The calling of Matthew is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 9:9 : "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him."

Role as an Apostle

As one of the twelve apostles, Matthew was a direct witness to the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His firsthand experiences provided him with the authority and insight to compose his Gospel account. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings and establish the early church, and Matthew played a crucial role in this mission.

The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is a cornerstone of Christian Scripture, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah. It is particularly noted for its structured presentation of Jesus' teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which contains the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. The Gospel also highlights the Kingdom of Heaven and the ethical teachings of Jesus.

Matthew's Gospel is distinct in its Jewish perspective, often referencing Hebrew Scriptures to demonstrate how Jesus fulfills the prophecies concerning the Messiah. This is evident in passages such as Matthew 1:22-23 : "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

Legacy and Influence

Matthew's contribution to the New Testament has had a profound impact on Christian theology and practice. His Gospel has been a source of inspiration and instruction for believers throughout the centuries. The emphasis on Jesus' teachings and the fulfillment of prophecy has reinforced the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, affirming the divine plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Matthew is often symbolized by a winged man or angel, one of the four living creatures described in Revelation 4:7, which is traditionally associated with the four evangelists. This symbolism reflects the human aspect of Jesus' life and ministry, which Matthew so vividly portrays in his Gospel.

Commemoration

Matthew is venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions, with his feast day celebrated on September 21 in the Western Church. His life and work continue to be a testament to the transformative power of Christ's call and the enduring truth of the Gospel message.