How Did Matthew the Apostle Die?
Matthew the Apostle, one of the twelve chosen by Jesus, met a tragic end in Ethiopia. Historical records indicate that he was martyred, dying from a sword wound while performing the Mass. The circumstances surrounding his death are believed to be connected to his brave confrontation of a lustful king who had set his eyes on a nun. Matthew’s martyrdom serves as a poignant reminder of the persecution and hardships faced by the early followers of Jesus.
The Life and Ministry of Matthew the Apostle
Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be his closest disciples. He is widely recognized as the author of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament, although some biblical scholars debate this attribution. Prior to his calling, Matthew worked as a tax collector in Capernaum.
When Jesus approached Matthew and said, “Follow me,” he immediately left his tax booth and became a dedicated follower of Jesus. Alongside the other disciples, Matthew witnessed the many miracles, teachings, and acts of compassion performed by Jesus during his earthly ministry.
After Jesus’ resurrection, Matthew, like the other apostles, continued to spread the teachings of Jesus and preached the gospel. Initially, Matthew focused his efforts on sharing the message of salvation with the Jewish community in Judea. However, as the early Christian movement grew, Matthew began to spread the good news to other regions and countries as well.
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew, attributed to the apostle, is an essential book in the New Testament. It presents a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry. The Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and his role as the long-awaited Messiah. Matthew’s writing includes many of Jesus’ famous sermons, such as the Sermon on the Mount, and numerous parables, which serve as powerful moral and spiritual lessons.
Matthew’s Gospel played a vital role in preserving the teachings and traditions of Jesus for future generations. It continues to inspire believers and provide valuable insights into Jesus’ life and ministry in the present day.
Matthew’s Role in the Early Church and Death in Ethiopia
According to church tradition, Matthew the Apostle played a significant role in the early Church and met a martyr’s death in Ethiopia. It is believed that after his time as a disciple of Jesus, Matthew traveled to Ethiopia to continue his missionary work. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in the conversion and consecration of a young virgin named Ephigenia.
However, Matthew’s mission took a tragic turn when King Hirtacus developed an unhealthy desire for Ephigenia. In an act of unwavering faith and moral conviction, Matthew rebuked the king during a liturgical service, condemning his lustful intentions. The king, consumed by rage and unable to tolerate such defiance, ordered his bodyguard to execute Matthew, who was standing at the altar.
Matthew’s martyrdom in Ethiopia stands as a testament to his steadfast commitment to his beliefs and the immense risks early followers of Jesus faced. Despite the hardships and dangers, Matthew remained dedicated to sharing the gospel and confronting injustice. His execution is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who sought to spread the teachings of Jesus.
Legacy and Veneration of Matthew the Apostle
Matthew the Apostle is widely venerated as a saint in Western Christianity, Eastern Christianity, and other Christian denominations. His canonization stems from his significant role as one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. His feast day is observed on different dates depending on the specific tradition.
Throughout history, Matthew has been esteemed as the patron saint of various professions and industries. He is recognized as the patron saint of accountants, tax collectors, bankers, civil servants, and perfumers. This patronage reflects his former occupation as a tax collector before his call to discipleship by Jesus.
The tomb of Matthew the Apostle can be found in the crypt of Salerno Cathedral, located in Italy. This sacred site serves as a place of pilgrimage for believers who seek solace and inspiration from the life and teachings of Matthew.
In Christian art, Matthew is often depicted in a manner that symbolizes his role as an evangelist and martyr. These visual representations provide a testament to his unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel and his ultimate sacrifice for his faith.
