Saint Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to be his close followers and disciples. Born in the first century, he is widely known for authoring the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.
According to biblical accounts, Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum before being called by Jesus to become an apostle. He left his profession and followed Jesus without hesitation, dedicating himself to spreading the teachings of Christ. He was witness to many miracles performed by Jesus and was present during significant events such as the Last Supper and the crucifixion.
Traditionally, Saint Matthew is depicted as an evangelist with a book or a pen, symbolizing his authorship of the Gospel. He is also often portrayed with a human figure or angelic winged man, which represents his role as a writer of the divine message.
Saint Matthew is revered as a saint in various Christian traditions, including the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and many Protestant denominations. He is honored on his feast day, September 21st. Throughout history, he has been recognized as a symbol of conversion, repentance, and faith in Christ.
In summary, Saint Matthew the Apostle was a tax collector who left his profession to follow Jesus Christ. He authored the Gospel of Matthew, and is venerated as a saint in numerous Christian traditions for his role as an apostle and evangelist.
