Matthew, St

views updated

Matthew, St an Apostle, a tax-gatherer from Capernaum in Galilee, traditional author of the first Gospel. Matthew may be represented in art as the author of one of the Gospels, in which case his symbol is an angel, one of the tetramorph. He may alternatively be shown with the instruments of his martyrdom (a spear, sword, or halberd), or with a money-bag or money-box as a sign of his occupation as tax-gatherer. He may also be shown wearing spectacles, perhaps so as to read his accounts. His feast day is 21 September in the West and 16 November in the East.
Matthew principle more will be given to those who are already provided for. The allusion is to Matthew 25:29.

More From encyclopedia.com