Matthew the Evangelist is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew. This Gospel is the first book of the New Testament and emphasizes the teachings of Jesus, including the Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission. Matthew is often depicted as a tax collector before becoming a follower of Jesus, highlighting his transformation and the theme of redemption. His symbol is typically a winged man or angel, representing the human aspect of Christ. Matthew's contributions are significant in the context of early Christianity and the spread of the Gospel.