Top 13 Facts about Matthew the Apostle

Top 13 Facts about Matthew the Apostle

*Originally published by Brian in June 2022 Updated by Vanessa R in May 2023 and Updated by Nellian in February 2024.

Matthew the Apostle is also known as Levi or Saint Matthew. He was the son of Alphaeus and was the first century Galilean. He was not only among the twelve disples of Jesus but also a tax collector. As one of the four evangelists, he was the author of the Gospel of Matthew hence regarded as Matthew the Evangelist. 

He followed Jesus and even witnessed his ascension on Mount Olives. He continued spreading the Gospel to the Jewish community in Judea after Jesus ascended into Heaven.

1. He was regarded as a sinner because he was a tax collector

The call of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio – Wikimedia commons

Jesus called Levi while he was sitting at the customs house in Capernaum. He was employed as a tax collector in the hierarchy of Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great in the Roman Empire of Galilee.

The scriveners of the Pharisees found fault with Jesus because He feasted with tax collectors[ Matthew the Apostle] and sinners. Levi showed gratitude to Jesus after his call by preparing dinner to share with Jesus[Luke 5:29].

2. The New Testament gives limited and unresolved information about him

 In the 3rd century, Jewish-Christian Gospels accredited to Saint Matthew were used by the Nazarenes and Ebionites. Pieces of this gospel survive in quotations. According to the preservation of Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea in the passage from the Apostolic Father Papias of Hierapolis, Mathew composed the oracles in the Hebrew language, and then interpreters came in and used their versions according to their abilities.

Though the Gospel according to Matthew was written specifically for the Jewish-Christian church the synoptic author is seriously doubted.

3. Matthew preached the Gospel in Ethiopia

Saint Matthew by Caravaggio – Wikimedia Commons

He traveled together with Andrew a fellow disciple to Jesus to preach the Gospel in Ethiopia. Some in keeping with writings prove that Saint Matthew preached the gospel. He fights two sorcerers who kept the kingdom in their control using their dark powers. He also converted the King of Ethiopia by performing a miracle of Raising the King’s daughter from the dead.

There is however no historical foundation to the legend of Mathew in Ethiopia because his missions differ from the scenes of his missions in his entire life after Christ’s ascension. Conflicting questions arise as to whether Matthew the Apostle died a natural death or was martyred.

4. Matthew conflicted with King Hirtacus because of Iphigenia daughter of King Egippus

The Martyrdom of St Matthew by Caravaggio – Wikimedia Commons

Saint Iphigenia was dedicated to God and Saint Matthew veiled her. King Hirtacus promised Matthew by giving him a condition that if he succeeded in persuading Iphigenia to marry him, he would inherit half of his kingdom to him.

The following Sunday the King was invited to the church for feedback on his request. Iphigenia claimed that she already was a companion to the Heavenly King and thus Hirtacus did not stand a chance for her hand in marriage. Due to anger, Hirtacus sent a swordsman to kill Matthew while he stood on the altar. This act of trying to kill Matthew while on the altar enlisted him to the martyrs.

5. Matthew performs the miracle of changing the direction of the fire

After his proposal of marrying Iphigenia was obliged, Hirtacus had evil intentions against Iphigenia. He put fire on her home to destroy it. Fortunately, Matthew appeared, controlled the fire, and redirected it to the royal palace.

Trying to go in battle with the Eternal God, Hirtacus faced a series of hard times like he contracted leprosy while his son died. This misfortune caused him to lose his position as the king and so his brother succeeded him.

6. He is the author of the first book in the New Testament of the Bible

Saint Matthew by Guido Reni – Wikimedia Commons

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book and also one of the three synoptic Gospels. It talks about the birth, the missions, and the death of Jesus. Matthew brings out the emphasis that Jewish Tradition should be long-lived in the church that was increasingly becoming Gentile. A series of struggles and conflicts between the Evangelistic and other Jews is brought open by especially the scribes and Pharisees with criticism.

In the Gospel of Matthew, unlike Mark who commences his book of Mark from the Baptism and Temptations of Christ, he starts from when Jesus is born showing the fulfillment of the messianic prophesies of the Old Testament.

7. Matthew’s Gospel has brought disputes among Bible scholars

Some scholars oblige the Matthean authorship of the Gospel. This is because Papias of Hierapolis does not explain the Gospel how the scholars or readers as they know it. The Gospel itself is anonymous because the author is not named within the text, not even a superscript used by other authors of the Bible which starts “According to Matthew”.

Scholars, therefore, have put forward many theories to explain Papias. They have come up with many possibilities like maybe, Mattew wrote two gospels; one in Greek and the other one in Hebrew, or perhaps Papias may have meant that instead, Matthew wrote the gospel in Jewish and not other languages. So according to the assumptions made it’s said that Matthew wrote in Greek.

8. Today many churches celebrate Matthew by setting a feast day

Photo by David Bumgardner on Unsplash

He is recognized as a Saint in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches. When closely looked into, the churches that celebrate his feast on 21st September follow the Julian calendar, and 16 November in churches that follow the Gregorian calendar. Matthew is often delineated in Christian art as one of the four creatures in the Book of Revelation.

9. It’s only Matthew’s name that is mentioned in the Quran commentary amongst the disciples

In Islam the Quran speaks of Jesus’ disciples but does not mention their names, instead, they are quoted as helpers of Allah. The Quran commentary, however, names him by name but the names of other disciples are not named. The commentary says Matthew amongst other helpers of Allah.

10. Matthew healed people who were possessed by demons

After Matthew had gone through many cities preaching the gospel, he entered a city known as Mirmena and converted many souls to Christ. He rebuked and expelled demons from the people of that city.

Moreover, those who healed fell before the Apostle Matthew and offered to be his followers. He built a small church and appointed his fellow traveler as a platoon to be their Bishop. The wife and son Fulvian were among the victims healed from demons.

11. Matthew regularly uses two words that are unique to the gospels

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

Both of the unique words that appear repeatedly in Matthew are relevant to the Jewish audience of the book. To honor the Jews’ reverence for the Lord’s name, Matthew replaces the phrase “the kingdom of God” (used in the other three gospels) with “the kingdom of heaven.” The phrase appears 32 times in the Bible overall, with all 32 instances being in Matthew.

Mathew also says, “That which was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled,” reinforcing the connection between Jesus’ life and ministry and the Old Testament.

12. Jesus is introduced by Matthew as the “Messiah”

Matthew’s many interruptions and allusions to the Old Testament seem to slow down the narrative to a modern reader. You could think, “Oh, I get it, his life was a fulfillment of prophecy,” but Matthew is purposefully tying Jesus to Messianic predictions to make it clear that he is the Messiah—the one who was promised, the eagerly anticipated king of the Jews descended from David.

13. The genealogy of Matthew includes five women

Hans Holbein the Younger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Matthew’s period, male ancestors were typically the only ones to appear in genealogies. But the Gospel of Matthew gives the names of five women, each of whom added to the complexity of Jesus’ family tree. To mislead her father-in-law into giving her a pregnancy, Tamar pretended to be a prostitute. Rahab was a prostitute who aided the Israelites in taking Jericho. Moabites were forbidden from entering the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:3), and Ruth, from the Book of Ruth, was a widowed Moabitess.  

David famously engaged in adultery (and may have even committed rape) with Bathsheba, who is Uriah’s wife. Mary got pregnant before she married. This genealogy opens the book of Matthew by narrating a tale of God’s redemption to a Jewish audience, including the women.

Top 10 of Apostle Matthew’s Insights Applicable To Contemporary Life

1. Apostle Matthew Encourages Christians to Live By The Golden Rule

Photo by Martin Shreder on Unsplash

The famous words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” This profound teaching encourages us to treat others the way we want to be treated. It is a simple yet powerful principle that promotes empathy, compassion, and moral integrity in all human relationships. When applied, the Golden Rule can transform society by overriding selfish motives with concern for others.

Furthermore, the Golden Rule inspires us to walk in another person’s shoes and consider their perspective and feelings before acting. We understand how we would like to be treated in any situation. Extending this same courtesy to others expresses empathy in action. It leads to thoughtful, caring behavior. Practicing the Golden Rule reorients us from self-centeredness to mutual understanding and goodwill.

2. Apostle Matthew Remindes us to Remain Humble and Avoid Judgmental Attitudes

An attitude of humility and compassion is better than a judgmental spirit according to Christ’s teaching in Matthew 7:1-5. He cautioned people against the hypocritical judgment of others while failing to see their shortcomings.

Besides, a humble heart that strives to understand others is precious in God’s sight. Developing empathy enables us to become less critical and more generous in spirit. This creates space for personal growth and promotes social cohesion.

Additionally, maintaining humility allows us to acknowledge our imperfections, which makes us more tolerant of other people’s flaws. When we think we know everything, our capacity to learn and grow stops. Acknowledging we still make mistakes keeps us open-minded. Humility inspires compassion rather than condemnation when we observe others’ faults. Letting go of judgmental attitudes brings freedom and joy.

3. Matthew Offers the Lesson to Cultivate Inner Purity Through Noble Thoughts

Photo by Meghna R on Unsplash

Jesus emphasized the importance of cultivating moral purity within our hearts and minds in Matthew 15:10-11 and 15:17-20. More than external ritual cleanness, he focused on eliminating greed, pride, hypocrisy, envy, and other inner vices that corrupt human nature.

Thus, our thoughts determine our character. By meditating on higher ideals and principles we can transform ourselves from within. This inner purification leads to outer righteous conduct.

Further, our thought patterns shape who we become. Dwelling on resentment, vanity, and prejudice degrades our consciousness, while constructive thoughts uplift our spirit. Contemplating noble virtues renews us from the inside. What we think about expands. Mastering thought habits elevates or debases our inner life. By taking charge of our mental patterns, we take responsibility for our character.

4. We Learn to Turn Away From Materialism, Focus on Spiritual Treasures

The Gospel cautions against becoming obsessed with material possessions and worldly wealth. In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus declares, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Wise living requires focusing on spiritual development rather than accumulating temporary material things.

5. Matthew Emphasizes Childlike Trust in God’s Providence

Photo by Miriam G on Unsplash

Jesus emphasized immense faith and trust in God’s protective care just like innocent children trust their parents. In Matthew 6:25-34 he repeatedly advises people not to worry excessively but calmly accept whatever God provides day by day. Anxiety cannot add a single hour to our lives! A lighthearted mind rests in God’s grace and providence. This childlike trust leads to inner freedom and equanimity.

6. Christians Learn to Repent and Change Direction When They Stray

Matthew 9:12-13 reports Jesus saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Thus, Christ encourages sincere self-examination and repentance when we drift away from righteousness. Instead of offering empty rituals, it is better to express repentance by changing ourselves inwardly and making amends outwardly. This willingness to admit our mistakes leads to self-renewal.

7. Matthew Tells us to  Let Our Light Shine Through Good Deeds

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

In his famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus states, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Here he teaches that spiritual light illuminates the world through the goodness of our characters and actions.

8. Christians Get Inspiration to Practice Genuine Righteousness

Matthew 5:20 states: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus emphasized heartfelt righteousness that expresses inward purity through outward actions.

Subsequently, mere outward observance of rules without internal transformation fails to meet spiritual standards. Our righteousness must fill us from within and manifest spontaneously in our conduct.

9. Matthew Challenges us to Develop Universal Goodwill Toward All

In Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus exhorts people to expand their circle of goodwill to include everyone – even enemies! He says, “…Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” This universal goodwill transcends narrow personal and communal boundaries. It reflects the all-embracing compassion of God. This generous approach reduces hatred and brings healing.

10. We Learn that Primary Allegiance Belongs to God’s Kingdom

Photo by Chris Liu on Unsplash

When asked about paying taxes, Jesus replied “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Our ultimate loyalty should be directed towards God’s Kingdom which represents timeless spiritual principles. Without denying worldly duties, we should remember our primary allegiance is to follow the Higher Law of divine love, truth, and justice. This centering on ethics and virtues nurtures conscience.

Saint Matthew was one of the gifted apostles in creating a good rapport with the people he came across. He succeeded in spreading the gospel across many countries and built churches in these places where he preached and converted people. Hence, the Gospel of Matthew offers profound insights about living with spiritual integrity, moral courage, and wisdom.

Additionally, the teachings of Christ provide timeless guidance to nurture our souls and conduct lives of purpose and meaning. While historical contexts change, these universal principles remain powerfully relevant in the modern world. Implementing these insights can help us align our lives more closely with our highest spiritual aspirations.