Apocrypha
Acts and Martyrdom of Matthew
Apocryphal Acts
1 chapter · read and listen
Reading note
An apocryphal or pseudepigraphal text — outside the canon of the Western churches, yet widely circulated among ancient Jews and Christians. Published here from a public-domain translation, edited for continuous reading.
Chapters
Dossier
Matthew's mission in the city of the man-eaters and his martyrdom by fire, which does not burn him.
Where this text comes from
Greek, 4th to 6th centuries AD, from the same cycle as the Acts of Andrew and Matthias.
Why it is not in the Bible
Outside every canon.
What you will find
- The planted staff that becomes a tree with a spring and fruit at the same time.
- The fire that turns against those who lit it, sparing the apostle.
- The king who is converted at the end and buries the body with honours.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this related to the Gospel of Matthew?
- Not at all. It is a late narrative about the apostle's mission and death, with no literary connection to the canonical gospel.