You may think you know the story of St. Matthew—the tax collector who changed his ways and became one of Christ’s Apostles. But do you know what he did after Christ returned to heaven?
After Christ’s Ascension, St. Matthew’s missionary journeys took him to the far reaches of the known world—as far away as Ethiopia. Legend says that there, Matthew found himself in the middle of a high-stakes confrontation with a powerful king.
Matthew arrived in Ethiopia and immediately began preaching the Gospel, winning over many of the locals. The glorious news of the Gospel and St. Matthew’s priestly ministry moved the Ethiopian people and St. Matthew quickly became an influential figure.
One of the Ethiopians who converted was a noblewoman named Ephigenia. Ephigenia, under Matthew’s spiritual guidance, dedicated her life to Christ and took a vow of virginity, refusing to marry. While the Christian community flourished, not everyone was pleased. King Hirtacus, the ruler of the region, had his eye on Ephigenia and wanted her as his wife. Her refusal, backed by Matthew’s unwavering support, enraged the king.
Determined to have his way, Hirtacus approached Matthew directly, demanding that the Apostle bless the marriage and give Ephigenia to him. The king even offered Matthew half his kingdom if he would bless the marriage!
But Matthew didn’t waver. He calmly told Hirtacus that Ephigenia was already promised to Christ and no earthly power could break that vow.
Enraged by Matthew’s defiance, Hirtacus publicly confronted him, making it clear that if Matthew did not approve the marriage, he would pay with his life. The court was tense, with everyone watching to see how the Apostle would respond. But Matthew stood firm, speaking boldly: “It is better for you to fear the eternal fires of hell than the wrath of man.”
Hirtacus, humiliated and furious, gave the order. As Matthew knelt in prayer at the altar, the king’s soldiers approached, spears in hand. In a brutal moment, they ran him through, killing him on the spot. Matthew died a martyr, his blood spilling at the altar before which he had been praying.
But the story doesn’t end there. Word of Matthew’s death spread quickly, and instead of breaking the Christian community, it strengthened it. Ephigenia remained resolute in her vow, inspiring others to remain firm in their faith despite the king’s threats.
Hirtacus, having failed to bend the will of Ephigenia or destroy the Church, soon faced the collapse of his rule and was eventually deposed. His power faded away while Christianity continued to spread.
St. Matthew’s legacy is far-reaching. Not only did he travel across continents to spread Christianity, he was also one of the four Gospel writers who brought the life of Christ to the whole world. With The Pocket Gospels, you can keep Matthew’s Gospel with you at all times so that you are never separated from the living word of God. Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
