According to biblical accounts and historical Christian tradition, Matthew, the apostle and Gospel writer, did not marry anyone. There is no mention in the New Testament or in early Church writings that indicates he was ever married or had a family.
Matthew's Marital Status in Scripture and Tradition
The New Testament provides details about Matthew's calling as a tax collector (also known as Levi) and his subsequent apostleship, but it offers no information regarding his marital status. This silence is often interpreted as an indication that he remained unmarried, or if he was married before his calling, he likely embraced a life of celibacy for the sake of his ministry, a common practice among some apostles.
Furthermore, Church tradition reinforces the understanding that Matthew was not married. A notable tradition recounts his involvement in the life of Ephigenia of Ethiopia. It is said that while preaching in Ethiopia, Matthew converted Ephigenia, the virgin daughter of King Egippus, and consecrated her to God. When King Hirtacus succeeded Egippus, he sought to marry Ephigenia and even asked Matthew to persuade her. This account highlights Matthew's role in upholding Ephigenia's vow of consecration to God, and it does not suggest any marital relationship between Matthew and Ephigenia, or indeed with anyone else.
The table below summarizes key points regarding Matthew's marital status:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Biblical Record | The Bible does not record Matthew being married or having a family. His life after his calling was dedicated to ministry. |
| Church Tradition | Historical Church accounts and traditions do not mention Matthew being married. Instead, they often emphasize his dedication to his apostolic mission. |
| Notable Tradition | Matthew is traditionally said to have consecrated Ephigenia of Ethiopia to God, and he was later asked by King Hirtacus to persuade her to marry the king, not himself. |
Like several other apostles, Matthew dedicated his life entirely to spreading the Gospel after his encounter with Jesus, a commitment that often involved significant personal sacrifice and a focus solely on spiritual endeavors.
