Matthew was one of the 12 apostles and one of the 4 gospel writers. In his gospel, Matthew explains that he was once a tax collector, working in the fishing town of Capernaum. Jesus approached Matthew at his tax booth and called him to leave everything and follow him. Ancient church writers of the second century record that after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, Matthew continued preaching the gospel in Judea and then journeyed into distant lands. Among these lands was Ethiopia, where, according to church tradition, Matthew converted the daughter of King Egippus, who then committed herself to service of the church. When a suceeding king sought to force the princess to marry him, Matthew defended the princess and rebuked the king. Enraged, the king ordered Matthew executed. In Christian art, each of the four evangelists is associated with one of the four living creatures of Revelation 4:7. Matthew is associated with the image of the winged man, and is usually depicted taking inspiration from this angelic figure as the figure delivers the heavenly inspiration for Matthew’s gospel.

Lord Jesus, you called Matthew from collecting taxes to become your apostle and evangelist: Grant us the grace to forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches, that we may follow you as he did and proclaim to the world around us the good news of your salvation; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Art & bio by Ben Lansing (c) 2024

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