Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament, holds a distinctive place in Christian iconography. Each of the four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—is traditionally associated with one of the four living creatures described in the Book of Revelation and the Book of Ezekiel. Saint Matthew’s symbol, the winged man or angel, has profound theological and artistic implications. This article delves into the origins, interpretations, and significance of Saint Matthew’s symbol, providing a comprehensive understanding of its role in Christian tradition and art.
The Origins of Saint Matthew’s Symbol
The association of Saint Matthew with the winged man can be traced back to early Christian writings and iconography. The most direct source is the Book of Revelation (4:6-8), where the Apostle John describes a vision of four living creatures around God‘s throne: a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. These creatures, which echo a similar vision in the Book of Ezekiel (1:10), were later interpreted by Christian scholars to represent the four Evangelists.
Saint Jerome (347-420 AD), one of the early Church Fathers, played a crucial role in solidifying these associations. In his commentary on the Book of Ezekiel, Jerome linked each living creature to one of the Gospels based on the content and themes he perceived in each Evangelist’s writing. Matthew’s Gospel, which begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and his role as the Messiah. Therefore, Jerome associated Matthew with the winged man or angel, symbolizing Christ’s human nature and the Incarnation.
See Also: 23 Parables in the Gospel of Matthew
Theological Significance
The winged man as Saint Matthew’s symbol carries deep theological meaning. It emphasizes the Incarnation, the belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on human flesh. This concept is central to Christian doctrine and is prominently featured in Matthew’s Gospel. By highlighting Jesus’ human ancestry, Matthew establishes a connection between Jesus and the Jewish people, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Furthermore, the winged man symbolizes reason and intellect, attributes often associated with humanity. This aligns with the portrayal of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel as a teacher and lawgiver, imparting wisdom through parables and sermons. The Sermon on the Mount, one of the most famous passages in Matthew’s Gospel, underscores Jesus’ role as a moral and spiritual guide, emphasizing ethical teachings that resonate with human reason and conscience.
Artistic Representations
Throughout the centuries, artists have depicted Saint Matthew with the winged man in various forms, reflecting the evolving styles and theological emphases of different periods. In early Christian art, particularly in illuminated manuscripts and mosaics, Matthew is often shown with a man or angel, either beside him or as part of a larger scene depicting all four Evangelists.
One of the most notable examples is the Lindisfarne Gospels, an illuminated manuscript from the 8th century. In this masterpiece, the evangelist portraits are accompanied by their respective symbols. Matthew is depicted with an angel, signifying his divine inspiration and the heavenly message conveyed through his Gospel.
During the Renaissance, artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt brought a more naturalistic approach to religious art. Caravaggio’s “The Inspiration of Saint Matthew” (1602) portrays Matthew writing his Gospel with the guidance of an angel, emphasizing the divine inspiration behind his words. The angel, depicted as a youthful figure, leans over Matthew’s shoulder, symbolizing the close relationship between the divine and the human in the act of writing the Gospel.
In Eastern Orthodox iconography, Saint Matthew is often depicted holding a book or scroll, symbolizing his role as a Gospel writer, with the winged man or angel standing nearby. This tradition continues to influence contemporary religious art, maintaining a visual continuity that spans centuries.
Symbolic Interpretations in Liturgy and Devotion
Beyond visual art, Saint Matthew’s symbol plays a significant role in Christian liturgy and personal devotion. The association of Matthew with the winged man or angel is reflected in prayers, hymns, and church architecture. In the liturgical calendar, Saint Matthew’s feast day (September 21 in the Western Church) often includes readings from his Gospel that highlight the themes of the Incarnation and Jesus’ teaching ministry.
In medieval churches, the symbolism of the four Evangelists was often incorporated into the design of stained glass windows, altar pieces, and ecclesiastical furniture. The presence of the winged man alongside representations of the other three Evangelist symbols served as a visual catechism, educating the faithful about the distinct contributions of each Gospel to the Christian narrative.
Comparative Analysis with Other Evangelist Symbols
To fully appreciate the significance of Saint Matthew’s symbol, it is helpful to compare it with the symbols of the other three Evangelists. Each symbol offers a unique perspective on the nature and mission of Jesus Christ, contributing to a richer understanding of the Gospels.
Mark and the Lion: The lion represents Saint Mark, emphasizing the royal dignity of Christ and his role as the triumphant king. Mark’s Gospel, with its focus on the power and authority of Jesus, aligns with the imagery of the lion as a symbol of strength and courage.
Luke and the Ox: The ox, a sacrificial animal, symbolizes Saint Luke and highlights the themes of sacrifice and redemption. Luke’s Gospel, which includes detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth and parables about God’s mercy, underscores the sacrificial love of Christ.
John and the Eagle: The eagle, soaring high above the earth, represents Saint John and symbolizes the lofty theological insights of his Gospel. John’s emphasis on the divinity of Christ and the spiritual depth of his teachings is aptly conveyed through the eagle, a creature that can gaze directly into the sun.
Together, these symbols form a comprehensive theological portrait of Jesus Christ, integrating his humanity, kingship, sacrificial role, and divine nature.
Saint Matthew’s Symbol in Contemporary Culture
In modern times, the symbol of Saint Matthew continues to inspire artists, theologians, and the faithful. Its enduring presence in church art and literature attests to its lasting relevance. Contemporary artists often reinterpret traditional religious symbols, infusing them with new meanings and contexts while maintaining their core significance.
Theological reflections on Saint Matthew’s symbol also persist in academic and devotional writings. Scholars explore the historical and cultural contexts of the Gospel, providing fresh insights into its message and its representation through the winged man. In devotional literature, the symbol serves as a focal point for meditations on the humanity of Christ and the call to live out the teachings of the Gospel in daily life.
Conclusion
The symbol of Saint Matthew, the winged man or angel, is a profound and multifaceted emblem that encapsulates key aspects of Christian theology and tradition. Its origins in early Christian exegesis, theological significance, rich artistic representations, and enduring presence in liturgy and devotion all contribute to its importance. By understanding and appreciating this symbol, believers and scholars alike can gain deeper insights into the Gospel of Matthew and the broader narrative of the New Testament.
Saint Matthew’s symbol not only connects us to the ancient traditions of the Church but also invites us to reflect on the timeless truths of the Christian faith. As we encounter this symbol in various forms—whether in a medieval manuscript, a Renaissance painting, or a modern icon—we are reminded of the divine inspiration that guided Matthew’s writing and the enduring relevance of his Gospel for all generations.