Why was an angel chosen as St. Matthew's symbol?

Answer 1

The Contarelli Chapel, dedicated to Saint Matthew, commissioned two paintings by Caravaggi. After completion, they commissioned a third painting for the center of the altar, showing Saint Matthew writing the gospel under the guidance of an angel. He painted Saint Michael as a peasant, gaping at the sight of the angel. The church rejected the painting, and Caravaggio painted the famous painting. The original painting was destroyed in World War II.

Answer 2

because the angal came to talk to him and take him into heven

That's not remotely true. The problem with the above answer is not only is it inaccurate, it looks as though a 5th grader wrote it. It's spelled 'heaven.'

The actual answer is due to Matthew's Gospel beginning with the angel appearing to Joseph in his dreams and telling him not to fear and to accept Mary as his wife despite the fact that she was pregnant with Jesus. In most relationships, the man is likely to take off if he found out his betrothed was pregnant by another man's (or "god's") child, but the angel prevents him from leaving, so Matthew is represented with the angel.

Answer 3

An angel was chosen as St. Matthew's symbol because angels are seen as messengers of God, and St. Matthew is often depicted writing his Gospel, which communicates God's message to humanity. The angel symbolizes the divine inspiration behind St. Matthew's Gospel writings.