This post is part 9 of the series:
September 21
The life and ministry of the Apostle

Matthew was a common Jewish name after the Jewish exile. In the lists of the apostles, Matthew, who was also known as Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke v. 27), is coupled with Thomas (Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). Matthew’s father’s name was Alphaeus (Mark 2:14), who should not be confused with the father of James the son of Mary, the wife of Cleophas, who was a “sister” of the mother of Jesus (John 19:25). Matthew was born at Nazareth in Galilee but resided primarily in Capernaum due to his occupation.Remembering the Apostle Matthew

His Apostolic Call

His call to the apostolic ministry (A.D. 27) is recorded by all three evangelists, Matthew giving the usual name (9:9) while Mark (2:14) and Luke (5:27) use the name “Levi.” Matthew’s occupation was likely the collection of dues and customs from both persons and goods crossing the Lake of Galilee (Gennesareth). It was while he was fulfilling this office that he was called by Jesus to follow Him. Matthew promptly invited Jesus to a “great feast” (Luke 5:29) which may have been a means for Matthew to bid his old companions farewell.Remembering the Apostle Matthew

Before Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, he selected twelve disciples who were to form a closer relationship with him (Luke 6:13) and among those selected was Matthew. After this he is mentioned only in one other passage, Acts 1:13.

After the Crucifixion

Following the death of Christ, Matthew remained in Jerusalem for about fifteen years preaching to his own Jewish people before taking the gospel to foreign countries.[1] Intending to leave Judea to go and preach among the Gentiles, he wrote his gospel in Hebrew for the use of the Jewish converts. The early church believed that Matthew’s Gospel was the first gospel to be written, some believing that it was subsequently translated into Greek by St. James the Less.

Martyred: ca. 60

One prominent tradition of the Church suggests that Matthew traveled to Ethiopia where he ordained preachers, established churches, and won many converts. Afterwards he proceeded to Parthia where he enjoyed similar success; but returning to Ethiopia, he was martyred by a halberd[2] in the city of Nadabar about the year of Christ 60. He is remembered for his gentle character and temperate manner.

Feastday and Apostolic Symbol

The life and ministry of the Apostle Matthew is observed by the Western Christian Church on September 21. Two symbols are most frequently associated with St. Matthew. The first, three purses, refer to his original profession as a tax collector for the Romans. The second, the hatchet or halberd, is a memorial of the manner in which tradition suggests he was martyred.[3]


Celebrating Our Christian Heritage!
We are a user supported non-profit organization.  Your small gift is tax-deductible and will go a long way to help us meet our operating budget — and it is vital, because
America deserves to know its true heritage.
Please contribute today!
Click to donate

Related Articles

Behind the American Right to Bear Arms

Behind the American Right to Bear Arms

American History | Right to Bear Arms

In the middle of the eighteenth century, the American English colonies were attacked—not by a foreign power, but by their own government. America’s Founding Fathers came to believe that individual citizens should possess the right to defend themselves, whether from foreign or domestic adversaries. One historical event was influential in forming the conviction of the Founding Fathers concerning citizens’ right to bear arms—that event was the St. Bartholomew Day Massacre of August 23-24, 1572. American Right to Bear Arms Article ContentsAmRead more...

Unsung Clergy of the American Revolution

Unsung Clergy of the American Revolution

Military Service | Role of Pastors

IntroductionUnsung Clergy of the American Revolution The role of clergy in the American Revolution has been grossly underreported by most historians. However, the influence of Christian pastors upon the rise and progress of the Revolution was perhaps the most fundamental force toward American independence and was memorialized by the great school-master of America, Noah Webster, who recounted this fact in a private letter dated October 25, 1836, in which he writes: The learned clergy . . . had great influence in founding the first genuineRead more...

James Wilson

James Wilson

American History | August Articles | Christian Calendar (Holidays) | Christian History | Signers of Declaration of Independence

James Wilson (September 14, 1742 – August 28, 1798) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. Wilson was elected twice to the Continental Congress, and was a major force in drafting the United States Constitution. A leading legal theorist, he was one of the six original justices appointed by George Washington to the Supreme Court of the United States.Read more...

Benjamin Franklin and the Bible

Benjamin Franklin and the Bible

American History | Christian History

Of all of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson possessed the most unorthodox Christian theology. However, their understanding of Christianity was far more orthodox than many contemporary "Christians." Neither Franklin nor Jefferson were deists, atheists, agnostics, or irreligious in any sense. Secularists who seek to deny Americans their Christian heritage have no patrons to whom they may turn for support among America's Founding Fathers—absolutely none![1] For this reason, they seek to employ Franklin and JeffersRead more...

Article Notes and Sources

[1]Clemens Alexandrinus (Stroml. 6:15); Eusebius (Hist. Eccles. 3:24)

[2]A combination of a spear and battleaxe.

[3]Redacted from Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, s.v. "Matthew."

Remembering the Apostle Matthew

Remembering the Apostle Matthew

Remembering the Apostle Matthew

Remembering the Apostle Matthew Remembering the Apostle Matthew Remembering the Apostle Matthew Christian Heritage Fellowship Facebook Christian Heritage Fellowship Facebook Christian Heritage Fellowship Facebook InternalLink InternalLink InternalLink