Ever wondered about the guy who wrote one of the Bible’s biggest hits? St. Matthew wasn’t just some boring old name in a dusty book; he was a real person with a super cool life story.

Believe it or not, Matthew started out as a tax collector.

But then his life took a turn when he met Jesus and became one of his friends.

Get ready for these mind-blowing facts about this history-changing writer.

If you’re doing homework, curious about Bible heroes, or just love true stories, you’re about to find out the real superstar behind the famous gospel.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts About St Matthew

Here come the super interesting tidbits that most people don’t know about this well-known Bible writer:

1. One of the Twelve Apostles: St. Matthew was chosen by Jesus to be one of His original twelve apostles, playing a key role in spreading Jesus’ teachings.

2. Also known as Levi: He was also called Levi, the son of Alphaeus, before following Jesus. The name Matthew likely means “Yahweh’s Gift”.

3. Called While Working: Jesus called Matthew to follow Him while Matthew was sitting at his tax booth, and Matthew immediately left his job to become a disciple.

4. Author of the First Gospel: He is traditionally credited as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book in the New Testament, though modern scholars debate this.

5. Wrote for Jewish Christians: Matthew’s Gospel was likely written for a Jewish-Christian audience and emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.

6. Wrote in Aramaic: Early church tradition says Matthew originally wrote his Gospel in Aramaic, the language commonly spoken by Jews at the time.

7. Emphasized Jesus’s Teachings: His Gospel contains many of Jesus’s most famous teachings, like the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes.

8. Witness to Key Events: According to Christian tradition, Matthew witnessed Jesus’s resurrection, ascension, and the events of Pentecost.

9. Evangelist and Missionary: After Jesus’s ascension, Matthew spread the Gospel in places like Judea, Syria, Persia, Parthia, and Ethiopia.

10. Founder of Ethiopian Churches: Many Ethiopian Christian communities claim Matthew as the founder of their congregations.

11. Martyrdom Traditions: Some traditions say Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia while celebrating Mass, but the exact details of his death are uncertain and may be apocryphal.

12. Patron Saint of Bankers and Tax Collectors: Because of his former profession, Matthew is the patron saint of bankers, tax collectors, accountants, and civil servants.

13. Feast Day: September 21: The Catholic Church celebrates St. Matthew’s feast day on September 21 (Western tradition) and November 16 (Eastern tradition).

14. Depicted with an Angel: In Christian art, Matthew is often shown with an angel, symbolizing his role as an evangelist and the divine inspiration for his Gospel.

15. Known for Literacy: As a tax collector, Matthew was likely literate in Aramaic and Greek, which was uncommon at the time.

16. Emphasized Universal Mission: Matthew’s calling and Gospel highlight Jesus’s message for all people, not just the righteous or religious elite.

17. Pre-Congregation Canonization: St. Matthew was recognized as a saint before the formal canonization process existed, known as “pre-congregation” canonization.

18. Associated with the Tribe of Levi: The name “Levi” suggests he may have belonged to the priestly Tribe of Levi, responsible for Jewish liturgical worship.

19. Dinner with Jesus: After his calling, Matthew hosted a dinner for Jesus and other tax collectors and sinners, leading to criticism from religious leaders.

20. Legacy as an Evangelist: St. Matthew’s Gospel and missionary work have had a lasting impact on Christianity, making him one of the most inspiring figures in the faith.

Conclusion

Who knew a tax collector could become such a Bible superstar? St. Matthew’s incredible life flip shows us that anyone can totally change their story.

Matthew used his brain to write down all the things Jesus did and said, like having the ultimate notebook when everyone else forgot their pencils.

Next time you hear his name in church or see it in the Bible, remember he wasn’t a perfect angel but a regular guy who made bad choices, changed, and influenced the world.