Saint Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to be his closest disciples. He is particularly known for his occupation as a tax collector before his call to follow Jesus. When Jesus called Matthew, he immediately left his tax collector’s booth to become a devoted follower and disciple of Christ.
Matthew is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, which provides an account of the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus. His Gospel is distinctive for its focus on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the New Covenant.
Saint Matthew is often depicted with a winged man or angelic symbol, which represents his Gospel’s emphasis on the human lineage of Jesus and his divine nature. He is venerated as a patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, and bankers due to his former profession. His feast day is celebrated on September 21st in the Roman Catholic Church and is honored in various Christian traditions as a symbol of faith and discipleship.
