The story of their life
Matthew left the tax office and hosted a meal where people judged as sinners encountered Christ; Christian tradition associates him with the Gospel bearing his name.
Saint1st century · Feast September 21
St Matthew the Apostle
Also known as Matthew, Levi, Matthew the Evangelist, Saint Matthew
Apostle
Evangelist
Martyr
A tax collector called away from a compromised profession to follow Jesus and become an apostle.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Tax collection under Roman rule carried stigma, collaboration and opportunities for exploitation.
Defining moments
- Hearing Jesus call him at work
- Leaving his former post
- Hosting Jesus and outsiders
- Serving among the Twelve
Faith and spirituality
Conversion expressed through decisive change, hospitality and ethical use of professional skills.
Why this saint matters today
Matthew speaks to people worried that career, money or past choices have made them unacceptable to God.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St Matthew the Apostle in matters of:
Accountants
Tax workers
Bankers
Financial professionals
Civil servants
A prayer
Merciful Jesus, through St Matthew’s intercession teach us to use our work, money and homes with integrity. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/09/21.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype