Introduction to Matthew: Matthew, son of Alphaeus, also known as Levi, worked as a tax collector in Capernaum before Jesus called him. As soon as he was called, he immediately gave up everything and followed Jesus. After Jesus ascended to heaven, he first preached blessings to his compatriots in Palestine for many years, and then preached in Persia, where he was stabbed to death with a spear and martyred for the Lord. The church celebrates his feast day every year on September 21st.