Saint Matthew And The Angel

Saint Matthew and the Angel: A Deeper Look into the Gospel's Call

The image of Saint Matthew, the tax collector called to discipleship by Jesus, is powerfully depicted in numerous artistic representations. Often, he's shown seated at his tax table, a symbol of his former life, with an angel appearing, signifying divine intervention and the transformative grace of God. This powerful scene, though not explicitly described in the Gospel of Matthew itself, is rooted in the narrative's context and resonates deeply with the theological themes of Matthew's Gospel. This article will delve into the story of Matthew's calling, explore the symbolic significance of the angel's presence, and examine its enduring impact on Christian art and theology. We'll also address frequently asked questions surrounding this iconic image.

The Narrative Context: Matthew's Call to Discipleship

Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 9:9-13) recounts Jesus' encounter with Matthew in a straightforward manner. There's no mention of an angel. The text simply states that Jesus, while passing through Capernaum, saw Matthew sitting at the tax booth and said, "Follow me." And Matthew, surprisingly, immediately left everything behind and followed Jesus. This simple yet profound act signifies a complete change of life, a radical shift from a worldly occupation to a life dedicated to the Kingdom of God. Matthew's response highlights the immediate and transformative power of Jesus' call.

This seemingly plain narrative, however, is rich in implied meaning. Matthew, a publican, was despised by his fellow Jews. Tax collectors, often working for the Roman occupying force, were seen as collaborators and traitors, enriching themselves at the expense of their own people. Matthew's profession placed him firmly outside the accepted social and religious circles. His decision to follow Jesus, therefore, speaks volumes about the inclusiveness of God's grace and the transformative power of faith. It’s a call to all, regardless of social standing or past actions.

The lack of dramatic embellishment in the biblical account itself allows for artistic and theological interpretations to flourish. The absence of an explicitly mentioned angel opens the space for artistic license, but it doesn’t diminish the spiritual reality of divine intervention in Matthew's life. The call itself is the miraculous event, a divine summons that transcends human understanding and expectation.

The Angel: A Symbolic Interpretation

The frequent depiction of an angel in artistic portrayals of Matthew's calling serves several symbolic purposes. The angel acts as a visual representation of several key theological concepts:

• Divine Intervention: The angel symbolizes God's active participation in Matthew's conversion. It underscores the fact that Matthew's decision wasn't simply a personal choice but a divinely orchestrated event. God doesn't passively wait; He actively intervenes in human lives, calling individuals to His service.

• Celestial Guidance: The angel's presence highlights the heavenly dimension of the call. It suggests that Matthew's decision wasn't solely based on human reasoning but was guided by divine inspiration and grace. The angel acts as a messenger, signifying the communication between the divine and the human realm.

• Transformation and Grace: The angel's appearance often signifies a moment of profound transformation. Matthew, from a despised tax collector, is transformed into one of Jesus' closest disciples. The angel symbolizes the grace that facilitates this radical change, highlighting God's capacity for forgiveness and redemption.

• Confirmation of God's Call: The angel can be seen as confirming the authenticity of Jesus' call. In a time of religious and political turmoil, the presence of an angelic being adds weight and validity to Jesus' authority and mission. It reaffirms the divine nature of Jesus' message and the importance of following Him.

The Impact on Christian Art and Theology

The image of Saint Matthew and the angel has had a profound impact on Christian art and theology throughout the centuries. Many renowned artists, including Caravaggio, have depicted this scene, each adding their own unique interpretation. These artistic representations have served as powerful visual aids, helping to communicate the narrative and its theological significance to generations of believers.

The artistic depictions often emphasize the contrast between Matthew's former life and his new calling. The tax table, the money, and the bustling marketplace often form a stark backdrop to the serene and luminous presence of the angel, highlighting the dramatic change in Matthew's life. The angel's gesture often conveys a sense of invitation, reassurance, or divine guidance, emphasizing the gentle yet powerful nature of God's call.

Theologically, the image reinforces the core message of Matthew's Gospel: the Kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of their background or past sins. Matthew's conversion story serves as a powerful example of God's grace and forgiveness, offering hope and encouragement to those who feel marginalized or unworthy. The angel’s presence underscores the divine agency in this process of redemption and transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the angel explicitly mentioned in the Bible account of Matthew's calling?

A: No, the Gospel of Matthew (9:9-13) doesn't mention an angel. The angel's presence is a later artistic and theological interpretation, enhancing the narrative's symbolic meaning.

Q: Why is the image of Matthew and the angel so popular in Christian art?

A: The image resonates deeply with the theological themes of grace, transformation, and God's active involvement in human lives. It visually communicates the dramatic change in Matthew's life and emphasizes the power of God's call.

Q: What does the angel symbolize in this context?

A: The angel symbolizes divine intervention, celestial guidance, the transformative power of God's grace, and confirmation of the authenticity of Jesus' call.

Q: What is the significance of Matthew's profession as a tax collector?

A: Matthew's profession as a publican highlights the inclusivity of God's grace. His conversion shows that even those considered social outcasts can be called to follow Jesus and experience transformation.

Q: How does the image of Matthew and the angel relate to the broader message of the Gospel of Matthew?

A: The image reinforces the Gospel's central message: the Kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of social standing or past sins. It underscores God's grace, forgiveness, and transformative power.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Grace and Transformation

The story of Saint Matthew and the angel, though rooted in a simple biblical narrative, has developed into a powerful symbol of faith, redemption, and divine intervention. The artistic depictions of this scene, while not literally found in the scripture, beautifully amplify the profound theological message of God's inclusive love and the transformative power of His call. The image continues to inspire and encourage believers, reminding us that God's grace extends to all, and that even from the most unlikely of places, He can call forth individuals to become agents of His Kingdom. The enduring legacy of Saint Matthew's calling, enhanced by the symbolic presence of the angel, serves as a testament to God's unwavering love and transformative power. The simplicity of the Gospel account, coupled with the rich artistic and theological interpretations, creates a powerful and enduring narrative that continues to resonate with believers across centuries. It's a story that speaks not only to the past but also to the present, offering hope and inspiration to all who hear it.