Definition

Proper noun: * Saint Matthew the Apostle: One of the twelve disciples (followers) of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Christian tradition holds that he is the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament in the Bible.

Usage

• The name "St. Matthew the Apostle" is used to specifically identify this individual among the twelve disciples and to distinguish him from other saints named Matthew.
• It is used in religious, historical, and academic contexts when discussing the authors of the Gospels or the lives of the Apostles.

Examples

• In religious context: "The feast day of St. Matthew the Apostle is celebrated on September 21st."
• In historical discussion: "Early church writers attributed the first Gospel to St. Matthew the Apostle."
• For identification: "St. Matthew the Apostle is often depicted in art with a winged man or angel as his symbol."

Advanced Usage

• Patronage: St. Matthew the Apostle is considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, and tax collectors, based on his described profession before becoming a disciple.
• Symbolism: In Christian iconography, he is symbolized by a winged man or angel, representing the human nature of Christ emphasized in his Gospel.

Variants and Related Words

• Matthew (Proper noun): The common shortened form of his name.
• Saint Matthew (Proper noun): A more common variant.
• Matthew the Apostle (Proper noun): A variant that omits "Saint" but retains the identifier.
• The Evangelist (Noun, often capitalized): A title sometimes used for Matthew, meaning "writer of the Gospel."

Synonyms

• Levi (Proper noun): The name given for a tax collector called by Jesus, traditionally identified as Matthew (see Gospel of Mark 2:14).
• Apostle (Noun): A general term for one of the twelve primary disciples of Jesus, of which Matthew was one.

Related Phrases

• The Gospel according to Matthew / The Gospel of Matthew (Proper noun): The book of the Bible traditionally ascribed to him.
• The Calling of Matthew (Proper noun): A common title for the biblical scene describing Jesus inviting Matthew to follow him.

Noun

1. (New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel