Matthew the Apostle, also known as Saint Matthew, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, which presents the life and teachings of Jesus. Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, a profession often viewed negatively in ancient Judea. Matthew is celebrated for his role in spreading the message of Christianity. His feast day is observed on September 21 in the Western Christian tradition. He is often depicted in art with symbols such as a winged man or angel, representing the human aspect of Christ in his writings.