Matthew, Saint

Related Category: Early Christianity: Biographies

in the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles. Also called Levi, he was a publican (tax collector) from Capernaum. Since the 2d cent. the first Gospel (see Matthew, Gospel according to) has been attributed to him, but the attribution is almost certainly incorrect. Matthew is said to have died a martyr. His symbol as an evangelist is a winged young man or an angel. Feast: Sept. 21.