The Life and Ministry of Saint Matthew, Apostle of Jesus Christ

Saint Matthew, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles, holds a significant place within Christian tradition. His journey and contributions have profoundly shaped the understanding of redemption and salvation that Christ offers. As a former tax collector who became a devoted disciple, Matthew’s transformation embodies the powerful message of faith and the call to salvation available to everyone. His experiences and writings highlight vital themes related to redemption, the church’s mission, and his enduring influence on the Christian faith.

 – Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Matthew’s Early Years and Discipleship

Born in Galilee, Matthew—also known as Levi—previously worked as a tax collector, a role often considered morally corrupt within Jewish society. Tax collectors were generally viewed as traitors for collaborating with Roman authorities and were largely despised. Nevertheless, Jesus recognized Matthew’s potential for change, a central idea in Christian teachings.

The moment of Matthew’s calling is crucial, illustrating that Jesus offers salvation to all, regardless of past actions. The Gospel according to Matthew recounts how Jesus approached him at his tax booth and commanded, “Follow me.” In an extraordinary act of faith, Matthew promptly abandoned his work to join Jesus. This event underscores the transformative effect of Jesus’ call and the readiness of individuals to heed God’s invitations.

 – Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Matthew’s Contribution to Jesus’ Ministry

During his time as a disciple, Matthew was instrumental in Jesus’ ministry. He witnessed firsthand the teachings, miracles, and acts of kindness that marked Jesus’ life. His experiences as a tax collector gave him a unique perspective on the social dynamics of his day, which shaped his understanding of Jesus’ message about redemption and the coming of God’s kingdom.

Matthew’s Gospel, a vital part of the New Testament, highlights his role within the early church. It illustrates Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecies found in the Old Testament, presenting Him as the anticipated Messiah and Savior. Notable for its emphasis on the teachings of Jesus, Matthew’s Gospel includes the Sermon on the Mount, which articulates the ethical principles that guide Christian behavior. Through these teachings, Matthew conveys a vision of humankind created in God’s likeness, called to live in love and righteousness.

Themes of Redemption and Salvation in Matthew’s Gospel

Central to Matthew’s Gospel are the concepts of redemption and salvation. The narrative begins with Jesus’ genealogy, affirming His messianic identity and role in God’s plan for salvation. Matthew demonstrates how Jesus fulfills the promises made to figures such as Abraham and David, weaving together the thread of God’s redemptive work through history.

 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as the epitome of divine wisdom and the ultimate teacher is crucial. Teachings such as the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and various parables delineate the journey towards redemption and the essence of the kingdom of God. These lessons serve as a foundation for the church’s mission to enact salvation and transformation in the world.

Matthew also emphasizes the inclusivity of Jesus’ message, extending the promise of salvation beyond traditional boundaries to all, including Gentiles and the marginalized. The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 reinforces this universal mission, urging the disciples to “make disciples of all nations” and reflecting the church’s ongoing responsibility to proclaim that Jesus offers redemption for all.

Eschatological Themes and Signs of God

Matthew’s Gospel features numerous references to divine signs and eschatological themes related to the end times. Teachings on these subjects, located in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, establish a framework for interpreting the signs of God and the ultimate conclusion of history. These teachings place emphasis on vigilance, faith, and readiness as the church anticipates the return of Jesus Christ.

Parables such as the ten virgins, the talents, and the separation of the sheep from the goats serve as striking reminders of human duty and accountability in light of divine judgment. Matthew’s focus on the end times highlights the urgency of carrying out the church’s mission to share the message of salvation.

Fulvian’s Encounter with Saint Matthew

Fulvian, the ruler of the territory where St. Matthew preached, initially resisted the apostle’s efforts to lead his subjects to Christianity. Accusing Matthew of sorcery, he ordered his execution. However, attempts to burn him failed, with flames instead melting nearby idols. This miraculous occurrence caused Fulvian to question his own beliefs, seeking further evidence of Matthew’s divine protection.

 – Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

In a subsequent act, Fulvian ordered Matthew’s body to be confined in an iron coffin and cast into the sea, asserting that if Matthew’s God kept him safe from water as He had from fire, it would confirm true divinity. That night, St. Matthew appeared in a dream to Bishop Platon, instructing him to recover the body from the sea. Accompanied by Fulvian, Platon witnessed the retrieval of Matthew’s unharmed body, leading to Fulvian’s repentance and conversion.

Converted and baptized by Bishop Platon, Fulvian took the name Matthew in tribute to the apostle. He later renounced his authority, became a presbyter, and succeeded Platon as the bishop of the Ethiopian Church, continuing the missionary endeavors started by St. Matthew.

Saint Matthew’s Lasting Influence on the Church

The legacy of St. Matthew is deeply connected to the early church’s growth and development. His Gospel has played a crucial role in shaping Christian doctrine and practices, providing an extensive account of Jesus’ life and salvific work. The church, regarded as the body of Christ, continually draws from Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as the Redeemer.

Matthew’s journey from a tax collector to a devoted disciple encapsulates the essence of redemption and the profound impact of an encounter with Jesus Christ. His life serves as an exemplar for the church’s mission to reach out to individuals, irrespective of their past, inviting them into a faith community.

The life and actions of Saint Matthew provide deep insights into the themes of redemption and the church’s mission. Through his Gospel, Matthew presents a powerful vision of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior, calling humanity to recognize their inherent worth and embrace the hope of redemption.

 – Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

The Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew’s Teachings

The Gospel of St. Matthew offers a thorough examination of the Kingdom of Heaven, intricately linking it to teachings about the Church and ultimates revelations. The key points include:

1. Connection with the Church:
– The Kingdom of Heaven aligns closely with the Church in Christian spirituality. The Church acts as the earthly manifestation of the Kingdom, while the Kingdom represents the Church in its ultimate fulfillment.

2. Parables of Teaching:
– Matthew employs parables that impart wisdom about the Kingdom of Heaven, focusing on the necessary mental and spiritual preparations for entry, the worthiness of its servants, and the signs of the Kingdom’s growth within souls.

3. Qualities of Kingdom Inheritors:
– The narrative emphasizes humility and simplicity as essential traits for inheriting the Kingdom, with many passages stressing these virtues.

4. Eschatological Insights:
– Matthew chapters 24 and 25 delve into eschatology, detailing the Second Coming of Christ and its relevance for everyday spiritual life within the community of believers.

5. Christological Themes:
– The theological elements in Matthew’s Gospel highlight Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, underscoring that His earthly mission is vital for the realization of the Kingdom of Heaven.

St. Matthew’s enduring influence continues to motivate the church as it pursues its mission. The hope for Zion, representing God’s ultimate kingdom, serves as a guiding aspiration as the church emphasizes that Jesus Christ provides salvation for all. In anticipation of Christ’s return, Matthew’s teachings remind believers of the signs from God and the call to live faithfully with hope for the coming redemption.

 – Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.