How did Matthew the Apostle die?

The death of Matthew the Apostle is something of a historical enigma. Unlike Peter or Paul, the traditions about Matthew’s martyrdom are various and contradictory. For example, some say he was killed in Ethiopia, others claim Parthia or Persia. The list of possible deaths includes burning, beheading, stoning, stabbing, and death by old age. The scattered nature of the traditions makes it difficult to discern a historical core. However, with a bit of work, I think we can get a little closer to answering the question: how did Matthew the Apostle die?

Organizing the Evidence

The earliest records of Matthew’s death can be split into two distinct groups: those that say he died in Ethiopia and those that claim Parthia or Persia. Another helpful way the traditions can be divided is by those that say he was martyred and those that indicate he died naturally. These divisions will help us organize the chaos to better weigh the evidence.

Did Matthew Die in Ethiopia or Parthia/ Persia?

The oldest written record of Matthew’s death comes from On the Twelve Apostles (170 – 235 AD). It was written by Hippolytus, an important early theologian and a disciple of Irenaeus, the disciple of Polycarp, the disciple of John the Apostle. In the text, he tells us that Matthew died in Hierees, Parthia.

“And Matthew wrote the Gospel in the Hebrew tongue, and published it at Jerusalem, and fell asleep at Hierees, a town of Parthia.”

Hippolytus’ view seems to have been well accepted in the early church. Although they differ in other ways, many of the early martyrologies and stories about Matthew’s death place him in Parthia/Persia.

In contrast, the early Ethiopian martyrdom traditions are anonymous and notoriously hard to date. The Martyrdom of Matthew, for example, is estimated to have been written somewhere between the third and fifth centuries. Moreover, before the year 500, these sources also exclusively fall into the legendary genre. Each text weaves a dramatic narrative full of fantastical events that all lead up to Matthew’s death. The Parthian/ Persian tradition contains many colorful stories as well. However, it also features some historical-style martyrologies.

One thing the Ethiopian martyrdom tradition really has in its favor is popular acceptance. Today’s Roman martyrology, for instance, says, “St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, who suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia.” Historically speaking, there does seem to have been a point when Ethiopia became widely accepted as the location of Matthew’s death. Works like the Golden Legend and Foxes’ Book of Martyrs are good examples of the tradition’s popularity.

How did Matthew the Apostle die?

It should be stated right off the bat that the texts that indicate Matthew was not martyred are by far in the minority. The overwhelming majority of traditions say he was martyred. Some suggest it was in Parthia/ Persia, and others in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, they all say that Matthew the apostle died for the faith.

 Hippolytus and Isidore of Seville are the only two I know of who indicate he died from natural causes. Both say Matthew “fell asleep” in Parthia. (Heracleon is often cited as holding this opinion, but as Sean McDowell has pointed out, the quotation says nothing about the manner of Matthew’s death.)

The Historical Sources

Conclusions

Based on this analysis of the historical record, I do not think we can definitively determine which specific story is true. There are simply too much conflicting information. Consequently, the answer to our question, how did Matthew the Apostle die, will focus on the historical core within these traditions rather than their details.

Matthew the Apostle Died in Parthia or Persia

In my opinion, the tradition that places Matthew’s death in Parthia/Persia has more historical credibility, despite the prominence of the Ethiopian martyrdom tradition.  

The Parthian/ Persian tradition has the advantage of appearing in On the Twelve Apostles, a text written by a prominent author who lived within two generations of the apostles. It also appears to have been well accepted by the early church, as it is mentioned in one of the first martyrologies and several stories. In contrast, the Ethiopian traditions are later, anonymous, and are not connected to any apostolic line.

Was Matthew Martyred?

As for his death, two factors need to be considered. First, our early source, Hippolytus, indicates that Matthew died from natural causes. However, this does not negate the fact that every other source claims he died as a martyr. Including sources that agree he was killed in Parthia. In light of these facts, I think I have to side with Sean McDowell, who says the idea Matthew died by martyrdom “is as plausible as not.”

How did Matthew the Apostle die: Sources

1. “The Fate of the Apostles,” Sean McDowell, Biola University
2. E.A. Wallis Budge, “The Contendings of the Apostles”
3. The Roman Martyrology
4. “Golden Legend“
5. “Foxes’ Book of Martyrs“
6. “On the Twelve Apostles,” Hippolytus
7. “Martyrology of Hrabanus“
8. “Pseudo-Abdias Book VII,” Pseudo-Abdias
9. “Hieronymian Martyrology“
10. “Breviarium Apostolorum“
11. “Stromata 4.9,” Heracleon
12. “De ortu et obitu patrum,” Isidore of Seville
13. “The Martyrdom of St. Matthew in Parthia“
14. “Martyrdom of Matthew”