St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist
The name Matthew is derived from the Hebrew Mattija, being shortened to Mattai in post-Biblical Hebrew.
Matthew is spoken of five times in the New Testament; first in Matthew 9:9, when called by Jesus to follow Him, and then four times in the list of the Apostles(Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, and Acts 1:13)
Matthew a tax collecter and was sitting in the custom house when Jesus, walking by, asked him to follow Him (Matthew 9:9).
Matthew, the son of Alpheus (Mark 2:14) was a Galilean. In Capharnaum, he collected custom duties for Herod Antipas, and, although a Jew, was despised by the Pharisees, who hated all publicans.
As a disciple and an Apostle he followed Christ, accompanying Him up to the time of His Passion and, in Galilee, was one of the witnesses of His Resurrection.
He was also amongst the Apostles who were present at the Ascension, and afterwards withdrew to an upper chamber, in Jerusalem, praying in union with Mary the Mother of Jesus, and his brothers (Acts 1:14).
The time and manner of Matthew's death is unclear.
Photo - "The Evangelist Matthew Inspired by an Angel" by Rembrandt
St Matthew is celebrated on 21st September.