Saint Matthew the Apostle

Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is traditionally credited as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. According to biblical accounts, Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum before being called by Jesus to become an apostle, a significant action as tax collectors were often despised in Jewish society for their association with Roman occupiers. Jesus's acceptance of Matthew demonstrated his willingness to reach out to marginalized and despised members of society, a theme central to his ministry. Matthew's Gospel, written in the first century AD, is one of the four canonical gospels and is characterized by its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and its presentation of Jesus's teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount. The Gospel of Matthew became foundational to Christian theology and remains one of the most widely read and studied texts in Western civilization. Matthew is venerated as a saint in Christian tradition and is the patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, and those who work with finances—an ironic honor given his former profession. His life exemplifies themes of redemption, transformation, and divine calling. Matthew's legacy through his Gospel has profoundly shaped Christianity and Western culture for nearly 2,000 years.