Life of Saint Matthew, the Apostle – August 25th

In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen

Introduction

On August 25th, the Indian Orthodox Church commemorates the life and ministry of St. Matthew, also known as Levi through the Gospel accounts of Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27. He was also one among the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ (Mark 3:18; Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13), who witnessed the life, the miracles, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. He was also the brother of the Apostle James Alphaeus (Mark 2:14). He is the writer of the Gospel of Matthew. Let us try and learn from his life.

Life – From a publican to a disciple

Through the Gospel accounts and traditions, we know that Matthew, also known as Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and the brother of James. He was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to accompany Him during His earthly ministry. Matthew was a publican or tax collector for the Roman Empire, serving in Capernaum, a city in Galilee.

During the time of Matthew, Roman overlords assigned specific locations to Jewish tax collectors, who were responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the Romans. However, these taxes were often unfair and burdensome for the Jewish people, as they were already under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. The tax collectors had the authority to collect additional revenues for their own profit, which led to widespread corruption and dishonesty.

As tax collectors, Matthew and others like him were often seen as collaborators with the Gentiles and were despised by their fellow Jews. They were viewed as traitors who profited from their own people’s suffering. The Jewish population considered tax collectors to be “unclean” and looked upon them with contempt. The association with tax collectors was so negative that it even affected their family relationships, as many Jews refused to allow their family members to marry into a family that had a tax collector among its members.

Not only were the tax collectors socially ostracized, but they were also banned from participating in religious worship and community affairs. They were considered outcasts, excluded from society gatherings and commercial transactions. The general sentiment towards tax collectors was overwhelmingly negative, and they were met with disdain and judgment from their fellow Jews.

However, everything changed for Matthew when Jesus, walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, saw him sitting in his tax collection booth. Jesus looked at Matthew and said, “Follow me.” In that simple command, Matthew experienced a profound call to discipleship. Without hesitation, he left behind his life as a tax collector and embraced his new purpose in following Jesus.

To celebrate his newfound faith and discipleship, Matthew held a great feast in honor of Jesus, inviting Him and His disciples, as well as Matthew’s former colleagues and friends. This gesture of hospitality spoke volumes about Matthew’s desire to share the joy and transformation he had experienced in encountering Jesus. However, the presence of Jesus among tax collectors and sinners created controversy and drew criticism from the Pharisees and scribes, who questioned Jesus’ association with those considered to be the outcasts of society.

The conversion of Matthew is a powerful example of the transformative power of Jesus’ call. Upon accepting Jesus’ invitation, Matthew recognized his own sinfulness and sought to make amends. He repaid fourfold anyone he had defrauded, demonstrating his genuine repentance and desire for restitution. In addition, he distributed his remaining possessions to the poor, embodying the heart of true discipleship and sacrificial love.

Matthew became not only a follower of Jesus but also one of His closest disciples. He listened attentively to the teachings of the Divine Teacher, witnessed His numerous miracles, and witnessed the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Savior. Matthew accompanied Jesus and the other apostles as they preached to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6), sharing the message of salvation and hope with those who were in need.

Life of Ministry – Tradition & Legend

After the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and having received the grace of the Holy Spirit, which descended upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, Saint Matthew preached in Palestine for several years. He laboured diligently to spread the teachings of Christ and bring the Good News to the Jewish people, proclaiming the fulfilment of the prophecies in the Old Testament. With great fervour and conviction, he shared the message of salvation and called upon the people to repent and believe in the Gospel.

Early Church fathers such as Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.1.1) and Clement of Alexandria say that Saint Matthew preached the Gospel to the Jewish community in Judea, before going to other countries.

Saint Matthew’s mission extended beyond the borders of Palestine. After preaching for fifteen years in Judea, he embarked on a journey to bring the light of Christ to the nations of the East. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he journeyed to remote regions, carrying the message of God’s love and redemption. One of the significant destinations in his mission was Ethiopia (some sources suggest it might have been Parthia), where he tirelessly proclaimed the Gospel and converted souls to Christianity.

As he travelled through Ethiopia, Saint Matthew encountered different cultures and languages. With his unwavering faith and the aid of divine guidance, he managed to bridge the gap between diverse communities and effectively communicate the teachings of Jesus. Despite facing challenges and opposition, Saint Matthew’s dedication and perseverance bore fruit, as many people embraced the Gospel and experienced a profound transformation in their lives.

In the city of Mirmena, Saint Matthew left an enduring mark on the spiritual landscape. He built a small church, a symbol of the growing Christian presence in the region. Guided by divine inspiration, he planted a staff at the entrance of the church, a staff given to him by the Lord Himself. This staff, a simple wooden rod, would go on to manifest the power of God in miraculous ways.

According to the divine promise, the staff of Saint Matthew grew into a majestic tree, symbolizing the flourishing of faith and the abundance of spiritual fruit it bears. From its roots flowed a spring of water, a divine source of purification and renewal. The local inhabitants, known as cannibals due to their savage ways, were invited to wash themselves in the sacred waters and partake of the fruit from the miraculous tree. As they did so, the cannibals underwent a remarkable transformation, both physically and spiritually. The savage nature that once defined them faded away, replaced by kindness, goodness, and a newfound connection to God.

News of Saint Matthew’s miracles and the conversion of the cannibals spread throughout the land, attracting attention from all walks of life. However, not everyone was receptive to the message of Christ’s love. Prince Fulvian, the ruler of Mirmena, viewed the growing influence of Christianity as a threat to his power and the old order. Fearing the erosion of his authority, he sought to eliminate Saint Matthew and discredit the faith he preached.

Prince Fulvian devised a plan to test the power of Saint Matthew’s faith. He ordered his men to seize the holy Apostle and subject him to cruel torture. Saint Matthew was stretched out on the ground, and his hands and feet were affixed to the earth with spikes. The prince’s servants gathered a great pile of branches, brushwood, pitch, brimstone, and other combustible materials and set them ablaze, intending to burn the apostle alive.

To the astonishment of all present, the fire did not consume Saint Matthew. The flames, which were meant to bring about his demise, instead became a testament to the power of God. They died down, leaving the apostle unharmed and glorifying the Lord who had preserved him. In disbelief, Prince Fulvian accused Saint Matthew of sorcery, unable to comprehend the divine intervention that had spared the apostle’s life.

Unwilling to accept defeat, the prince ordered another attempt on Saint Matthew’s life. The pyre was rekindled with even greater intensity, and this time, twelve golden idols were placed around it. Prince Fulvian believed that the power of these pagan gods would prevent the apostle’s deliverance from the flames. However, Saint Matthew prayed fervently to the Lord, calling upon His invincible power to reveal the impotence of the idols and put to shame those who placed their trust in them.

Suddenly, a momentous event unfolded before the eyes of all present. The flames surged upon the golden idols with a thunderous roar. The idols, made of precious metal, melted away like wax, signifying the triumph of the true God. Some unbelievers standing nearby were consumed by the fire, witnessing the consequences of their unbelief. From the burning idols emerged a flame in the form of a serpent, menacing Prince Fulvian and leaving him defenseless.

Overwhelmed by fear and desperation, the prince implored Saint Matthew to save him from the threatening serpent. With a simple rebuke, the apostle extinguished the flame, demonstrating his authority over the forces of darkness. Moved by this miraculous intervention, Prince Fulvian recognized the power of the Christian faith and sincerely repented for his previous actions.

The miraculous events surrounding Saint Matthew’s martyrdom deeply impacted the lives of all those who witnessed them. The formerly antagonistic prince underwent a personal transformation, mirroring the conversion experienced by the cannibals. Embracing Christianity wholeheartedly, Prince Fulvian sought to make amends for his past hostility towards the faith. He ordered the honorable relics of Saint Matthew to be placed in a golden bier and adorned his body with a precious vesture. The relics were then carried into the palace, heralding a new era of Christianity within the kingdom.

Although Prince Fulvian was still growing in faith, he decided to test the power of the apostle’s relics. He sealed them in an iron coffer and cast it into the sea, issuing a challenge to the Apostle Matthew and the God he served. If the relics were saved from the depths of the sea, as Saint Matthew had been preserved from fire, the prince vowed to renounce his idols and worship the one true God.

In a testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God, a miracle occurred. Saint Matthew appeared to Bishop Platon, a trusted disciple, and revealed the location of the relics. Guided by the vision, Bishop Platon and a multitude of faithful individuals journeyed to the designated spot on the shore. To their amazement and joy, they witnessed the iron coffer riding upon the waves, driven by divine providence. The people praised the Lord for His continuous manifestation of power and mercy.

Prince Fulvian, now deeply moved by the divine intervention, hastened to the shore with his nobles. Witnessing the extraordinary rescue of the relics and recognizing the hand of God, he fully embraced Christianity. Falling down before the holy relics of Saint Matthew, he sought forgiveness for his previous transgressions. Bishop Platon, empowered by divine guidance, catechized and baptized Prince Fulvian, renaming him Matthew in honor of the holy Apostle.

Embracing his new name and faith, Matthew, the former prince, exemplified the transformative power of God’s grace. Filled with a zealous spirit, he resolved to eradicate the worship of idols within his kingdom. With unwavering devotion, he worked tirelessly to dismantle the remnants of paganism and establish a society firmly rooted in the teachings of Christ.

The divine calling upon Matthew did not end with his baptism. In a vision, he received further instructions from the Apostle Matthew himself. The vision revealed that Bishop Platon would soon repose, and Matthew would succeed him as the shepherd of the flock. True to the divine plan, when Bishop Platon departed from this earthly life after three years, Matthew assumed the episcopal responsibilities of the See, shepherding the faithful with wisdom, love, and integrity.

Years of dedicated service ensued, as Bishop Matthew labored tirelessly to nurture the spiritual growth of his flock. His wisdom, compassion, and commitment to the teachings of Christ became a source of inspiration for all who came into contact with him. Drawing upon his own encounters with Saint Matthew and the unwavering faith that sustained the apostle, Bishop Matthew guided the Church with grace, compassion, and unwavering faith in the power of the Gospel.

Eventually, after a life marked by extraordinary faith and service to God and His people, Bishop Matthew’s earthly journey came to an end. His departure from this world was not an occasion of lamentation but a celebration of a life well-lived in service to God. The faithful, who had been profoundly impacted by his ministry, mourned his physical absence yet rejoiced in the knowledge that a saintly intercessor now resided in the heavenly realm.

Gospel of St. Matthew

In the order of the books of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew comes first. Palestine is said to be the place where the Gospel was written. Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was originally a tax collector before being called by Jesus to be one of His apostles. It is believed that Matthew wrote his Gospel in the Aramaic language, the common language of the Jewish people at the time. However, the original Aramaic text has not survived, and what we have today is a Greek translation of Matthew’s account.

The Gospel of Matthew is unique in that it focuses on presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah of the Jewish people. As one of the twelve apostles, Matthew had firsthand experience with Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and ministry. His Gospel account was written to provide a detailed and comprehensive testimony to the Jewish converts, as well as to believers from all backgrounds.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to King David and Abraham, highlighting His rightful place as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The narrative then dives into the birth, baptism, and early ministry of Jesus, while emphasizing His identity as the Son of God and Savior of the world.

The preaching and deeds of the Savior are presented by the evangelist in three main divisions, which represent three aspects of the service of the Messiah. The first division focuses on Jesus as the Prophet and Law-Giver, depicted through the famous Sermon on the Mount and other teachings that challenged the traditional Jewish understanding of the Law (Matt. 5-7).

The second division portrays Jesus as the Lord over the world, both visible and invisible. It encompasses various miracles, parables, and interactions with people from different walks of life. Through these accounts, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus has authority over nature, sickness, and even the spiritual realm (Matt. 8-25).

The final division of Matthew’s Gospel is centered around Jesus’ ultimate purpose as the High Priest offered as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. It covers His betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering and glorification of the Messiah (Matt. 26-27).

While the theological content of Matthew’s Gospel focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ, it also includes teachings about the Kingdom of God and the Church. Jesus teaches about the inner preparation required to enter the Kingdom, the worthiness of those who serve in the Church, and the signs and growth of the Kingdom in the hearts of believers. He also reveals eschatological prophecies about His Second Coming and the ultimate establishment of His Kingdom in its fullness (Matt. 24-25).

The connection between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Church is a recurring theme throughout the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus teaches that the Church, as the community of believers, is the historical embodiment of the Kingdom on earth. He appoints Peter as the rock upon which He will build His Church, entrusting it with the keys of the Kingdom (Matt. 16:18-19). Furthermore, before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and promising to be with them always (Matt. 28:18-20).

According to tradition, after completing his Gospel, the apostle Matthew continued to spread the teachings of Christ. He took the message of salvation to various regions, including Syria, Media, Persia, and Parthia. It is believed that he concluded his missionary work in Ethiopia, where he met a martyr’s death for his unwavering faith.

The Gospel of Matthew stands as a powerful testament to the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It guides believers in understanding the significance of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the foundation of the Church. Through Matthew’s account, readers are invited to deepen their faith, embrace the teachings of Jesus, and experience the transformative power of the Kingdom of Heaven in their lives.

Iconography

The Book of Revelations reveals to us four creatures standing around the Throne of God with figures of lion, calf, eagle and man. These four creatures are mentioned as constantly giving praise to the Heavenly God seated on the throne.

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:

“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”

Revelation 6:6-8

This text from Revelation in turn reflects the vision of prophet Ezekiel –

 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings. Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward.

As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle.

Ezekiel 1: 5-10

Church Fathers from very early time have commented that these texts and the figures mentioned have always been taken as referring to the evangelists. Thus St. Jerome, in the preface to his commentary on Matthew:

The first face of a man signifies Matthew, who began his narrative as though about a man: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham.” The second [face signifies] Mark in whom the voice of a lion roaring in the wilderness is heard: “A voice of one shouting in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” The third [is the face] of the calf which prefigures that the evangelist Luke began with Zachariah the priest. The fourth [face signifies] John the evangelist who, having taken up eagle’s wings and hastening toward higher matters, discusses the Word of God.

Scheck 55. On the same page (n. 37) Scheck notes that Irenaeus of Lyon (2nd century), and Augustine (4th-5th) made similar statements but distributed the identifications differently.

Earliest icons or pictographic representations visualize this interpretation by having the four symbolic creatures, always winged, flank a cross symbolic of Christ. 

St. Matthew being the first of the Evangelists or writers of the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ, is usually portrayed as wearing a blue himation and a purple chiton, holding the Gospel as a symbol of liturgical service.

The gaze of St Matthew is usually directed straight at the viewer. It is severe, concentrated, and full of humility and wisdom.

The main symbol in the Evangelist’s iconography is the angel, which denotes service to God and preaching activities. The angel is a kind of attribute of the saint and is usually depicted at the bottom of the icon, near the left foot of the Apostle. Sometimes, the sword with which Matthew was killed also becomes the attribute of the saint in group icons.

Conclusion

For centuries, the memory of Saint Matthew, the apostle, evangelist, and martyr, has been revered and passed down from generation to generation. His remarkable life of faith, dedication, and miraculous interventions continues to inspire believers worldwide. Through his Gospel, written under divine inspiration, Saint Matthew entrusted future generations with the precious words and deeds of Jesus Christ, guiding countless souls towards salvation.

Inspired by the transformative power of Christ’s love, Matthew dedicated himself wholeheartedly to spreading the Gospel message. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he wrote the Gospel of Matthew, a powerful testament to the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. His Gospel presents a unique perspective, emphasizing Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the Messiah awaited by the Jewish people.

It is through the Gospel of Matthew that we learn of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivered His profound teachings, including the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer. We witness the healing of the sick, the feeding of the multitude, and the casting out of demons. We journey with Jesus to Jerusalem, where He triumphantly enters on Palm Sunday and ultimately suffers crucifixion, only to rise triumphantly on Easter Sunday.

Saint Matthew’s Gospel not only offers a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life but also underscores the significance of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Matthew himself experienced this firsthand when Jesus dined with him and other tax collectors, causing controversy among the religious authorities. In response, Jesus proclaimed, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” highlighting the essential values of love, compassion, and inclusion that lie at the heart of the Christian faith.

Let us remember and honour the life and martyrdom of Saint Matthew, the Apostle and Evangelist, as we reflect upon the enduring legacy he left behind. May his example encourage us to embrace the teachings of Christ wholeheartedly, to carry the light of the Gospel into the world, and to persevere in faith, even in the face of challenges, knowing that God is ever faithful to His people.

The life of St. Matthew serves as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness. His story showcases the transformative power of encountering Jesus and responding to His call, even for those society may deem unworthy or lost. Matthew’s journey from a despised tax collector to a devoted disciple leaves us with a timeless message of hope, redemption, and the immeasurable grace of our Lord. As we contemplate the life of Saint Matthew, let us seek to emulate his unwavering faith, his willingness to leave everything behind for the sake of Christ, and his profound dedication to proclaiming the Good News to all corners of the earth.

May the memory of Saint Matthew inspire us to deepen our relationship with Jesus, to grow in holiness, and to share the love of God with all those we encounter. By His divine providence, God calls each of us to a unique mission, just as He called Saint Matthew. Let us respond with open hearts, willing to leave behind whatever may hinder us from fully embracing the call of discipleship. In doing so, may we too leave a lasting legacy of faith for future generations, guiding them towards the eternal truths found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

May the prayers and the Gospel account of Saint Matthew be a constant source of encouragement in our journey to being one with our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Your brother in Christ

Jobin George

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Sources:
1. Apostle and Evangelist Matthew – Orthodox Church in America (oca.org)
2. St. Matthew The Apostle – Urho, The Way (urhotheway.com)
3. Apostle Matthew – OrthodoxWiki
4. Holy Apostle Matthew the Evangelist | ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY THEN AND NOW (johnsanidopoulos.com)
5. St Matthew Icon: Key Features and Symbols | Russian Icon Collection