Who Wrote the Book of Matthew?

The Book of Matthew is one of the four gospels of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It tells the story of the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Matthew is traditionally considered to be one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, and the author of the gospel that bears his name.

However, there is some debate among scholars about who actually wrote the Gospel of Matthew. Some believe that it was written by Matthew himself, while others believe that it was written by a later author who used Matthew’s name. There is no clear consensus on this issue, but there are a number of arguments both for and against each view.

In this article, we will explore the evidence for and against the traditional view that Matthew wrote the Gospel of Matthew. We will also consider some of the alternative theories about the authorship of the gospel.

Who Wrote the Book of Matthew

The authorship of the Gospel of Matthew is a matter of debate among scholars.

Traditional view: Matthew the apostle
Alternative theories: Multiple authors
Gospel’s own testimony: Anonymous
Language and style: Similar to other Gospels
Historical context: Early Christian community
Earliest manuscripts: No author named
Church Fathers: Attributed to Matthew
Modern scholarship: Divided opinions
Lack of consensus: Ongoing debate
Significance of authorship: Understanding the Gospel’s message

Despite the ongoing debate, the Book of Matthew remains an important text for Christians around the world.

Traditional view: Matthew the apostle

The traditional view is that the Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew the apostle, one of the twelve closest followers of Jesus. This view is based on several factors:

1. Early Church Tradition:

The earliest Church Fathers, such as Papias of Hierapolis (c. 60 – c. 163 AD) and Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130 – c. 202 AD), attributed the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew to the apostle Matthew. This tradition was widely accepted in the early Christian community.

2. Internal Evidence:

The Gospel of Matthew itself contains some internal evidence that suggests it was written by an eyewitness to the events it describes. For example, the author frequently uses the phrase “and behold” to introduce important events, which is a common way for eyewitnesses to recount their experiences.

3. Literary Style:

The Gospel of Matthew is written in a clear and straightforward style, which is consistent with the idea that it was written by a simple fisherman like Matthew. The gospel also contains a number of Aramaic words and phrases, which suggests that it was written by someone who was familiar with the language and culture of Jesus.

4. Historical Context:

The Gospel of Matthew was likely written in the late first century AD, shortly after the death of Jesus. This timeframe is consistent with the traditional view that it was written by Matthew the apostle, who was one of Jesus’s earliest followers.

While there are some challenges to the traditional view of authorship, it remains the most widely accepted theory among scholars. The early Church tradition, the internal evidence of the gospel, and the historical context all support the idea that Matthew the apostle was the author of the Gospel of Matthew.

Alternative theories: Multiple authors

While the traditional view is that the Gospel of Matthew was written by a single author, some scholars have proposed alternative theories that suggest the gospel was written by multiple authors or editors. These theories are based on a number of factors:

Discontinuities and Contradictions:

The Gospel of Matthew contains a number of discontinuities and contradictions, which some scholars argue suggest that it was written by multiple authors who had different sources and perspectives.
Multiple Sources:

The Gospel of Matthew draws on a variety of sources, including the Old Testament, the sayings of Jesus, and the traditions of the early Christian community. Some scholars argue that these sources were compiled and edited by multiple authors.
Literary Style:

The Gospel of Matthew contains a variety of literary styles, which some scholars argue suggest that it was written by multiple authors. For example, the gospel includes both narrative sections and collections of sayings, which may have been written by different people.
Redaction Criticism:

Redaction criticism is a method of biblical scholarship that seeks to identify the editorial changes and additions that have been made to a text over time. Some scholars have used redaction criticism to argue that the Gospel of Matthew was edited and revised by multiple authors.

While the multiple authorship theory has some support among scholars, it is not as widely accepted as the traditional view that Matthew the apostle wrote the gospel. The evidence for multiple authorship is not conclusive, and there are a number of arguments that support the traditional view.

Gospel’s own testimony: Anonymous

One of the most striking pieces of evidence related to the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew is the fact that the gospel itself does not name its author. This is in contrast to the other three gospels, which all claim to have been written by eyewitnesses to Jesus’s life and ministry. The Gospel of Matthew, on the other hand, is anonymous. This has led some scholars to argue that the gospel was not written by Matthew the apostle, but by a later author who chose to remain anonymous.

There are a number of possible explanations for why the author of the Gospel of Matthew chose to remain anonymous. One possibility is that the author was simply謙虛 (humble) and did not want to draw attention to himself. Another possibility is that the author was writing for a specific audience, such as the Jewish-Christian community in Antioch, and did not want to alienate them by claiming to be an apostle.

Whatever the reason for the author’s anonymity, the fact that the Gospel of Matthew does not name its author is a significant piece of evidence that challenges the traditional view of authorship. It is possible that the gospel was written by Matthew the apostle, but it is also possible that it was written by a later author who chose to remain anonymous.

The anonymity of the Gospel of Matthew also raises questions about the gospel’s authority. If the gospel was not written by an eyewitness to Jesus’s life and ministry, then how can we be sure that it is accurate? This is a question that has been debated by scholars for centuries, and there is no easy answer. Ultimately, each individual must decide for themselves whether or not they believe that the Gospel of Matthew is a reliable source of information about Jesus.

Despite the challenges posed by the gospel’s anonymity, the Gospel of Matthew remains one of the most important and influential texts in Christianity. It is a valuable source of information about Jesus’s life and teachings, and it has played a major role in shaping Christian thought and practice for centuries.

Language and style: Similar to other Gospels

Another factor that scholars consider when discussing the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew is the gospel’s language and style. The Gospel of Matthew is written in Greek, which was the common language of the eastern Mediterranean region in the first century AD. The gospel’s style is similar to that of the other three gospels, which suggests that it was written by someone who was familiar with the other gospel traditions.

In addition to its similarities to the other gospels, the Gospel of Matthew also contains a number of unique features. For example, the gospel includes a detailed account of Jesus’s birth and childhood, which is not found in the other gospels. The gospel also contains a number of parables that are unique to Matthew, such as the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the talents.

The similarities and differences between the Gospel of Matthew and the other gospels have led some scholars to argue that the gospel was written by a later author who used the other gospels as sources. However, other scholars argue that the similarities between the gospels are simply due to the fact that they are all based on the same oral traditions about Jesus’s life and teachings.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not the Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew the apostle is a complex one that cannot be answered with certainty. There is evidence to support both the traditional view of authorship and the alternative theories. However, the gospel’s language and style suggest that it was written by someone who was familiar with the other gospel traditions. This suggests that the gospel was written relatively early in the first century AD, which is consistent with the traditional view of authorship.

Despite the ongoing debate about its authorship, the Gospel of Matthew remains one of the most important and influential texts in Christianity. It is a valuable source of information about Jesus’s life and teachings, and it has played a major role in shaping Christian thought and practice for centuries.

Historical context: Early Christian community

The historical context of the early Christian community is also relevant to the discussion of who wrote the Gospel of Matthew. The gospel was likely written in the late first century AD, shortly after the death of Jesus. This was a time of great upheaval and persecution for the early Christians. They were often accused of being a subversive movement that threatened the Roman Empire. As a result, they were forced to meet in secret and to keep their beliefs and practices hidden from the authorities.

The Gospel of Matthew was likely written in this context of persecution and secrecy. The gospel is addressed to a Jewish-Christian community that was facing opposition from both Jews and Romans. The gospel seeks to encourage and strengthen this community by presenting Jesus as the Messiah and the founder of a new covenant between God and his people.

The historical context of the early Christian community also helps to explain some of the unique features of the Gospel of Matthew. For example, the gospel contains a number of passages that emphasize the importance of following Jesus’s teachings and obeying his commands. This is likely because the early Christians were facing persecution and needed to be reminded of the importance of staying faithful to Jesus, even in the face of danger.

The historical context of the early Christian community also suggests that the gospel was written by someone who was closely connected to the community. The gospel is full of details about Jesus’s life and teachings, which suggests that the author had access to reliable sources of information. The gospel also reflects the concerns and challenges that the early Christians were facing. This suggests that the author was someone who was actively involved in the life of the community.

Overall, the historical context of the early Christian community provides further support for the traditional view that the Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew the apostle. Matthew was one of Jesus’s closest followers, and he was actively involved in the early Christian community. He would have had access to reliable sources of information about Jesus’s life and teachings, and he would have been motivated to write a gospel that would encourage and strengthen the community in the face of persecution.

Earliest manuscripts: No author named

One of the most significant pieces of evidence related to the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew is the fact that the earliest manuscripts of the gospel do not name its author. This is in contrast to the other three gospels, which all claim to have been written by eyewitnesses to Jesus’s life and ministry. The earliest manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew, which date from the late second and early third centuries AD, simply refer to the gospel as “The Gospel According to Matthew.” This suggests that the author’s name was not originally associated with the gospel.

Lack of Attribution in Early Manuscripts:

The earliest known manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew, dating back to the late second and early third centuries, do not include any明確な (explicit) attribution of authorship to Matthew or any other individual.
Anonymous Tradition:

The anonymous nature of the earliest manuscripts is consistent with the lack of明確な (explicit) authorial attribution in the gospel text itself. Nowhere in the Gospel of Matthew does the author identify themselves by name.
Multiple Attributions:

In the early centuries of Christianity, there was a variety of attributions regarding the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew. Some manuscripts attributed the gospel to Matthew, while others attributed it to other individuals or groups.
Later Attributions:

It was not until the late second and early third centuries that the attribution of the Gospel of Matthew to Matthew the apostle became more widely accepted. This attribution may have been influenced by the desire to associate the gospel with a知名 (well-known) and respected figure in the early Christian community.

The lack of authorial attribution in the earliest manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew is a significant challenge to the traditional view of authorship. It suggests that the gospel was not originally associated with Matthew the apostle, and that the attribution of the gospel to Matthew may have been a later development.

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Modern scholarship: Divided opinions

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Lack of consensus: Ongoing debate

Despite the centuries of debate and scholarship, there is still no clear consensus on who wrote the Gospel of Matthew. The traditional view that Matthew the apostle was the author is still widely held, but there are also a number of alternative theories that have gained support among scholars.

Multiple Perspectives:

The Gospel of Matthew presents multiple perspectives and traditions, suggesting that it may have been compiled from various sources by a group of authors or editors.
Diverse Audience:

The gospel was likely written for a diverse audience, including both Jewish and Gentile Christians, which may have influenced its authorship and content.
Ongoing Research:

New discoveries and ongoing research continue to shed light on the historical and literary context of the gospel, leading to evolving interpretations and debates about its authorship.
Theological Interpretations:

Theological interpretations and doctrinal beliefs can influence scholars’ views on the gospel’s authorship, leading to differing perspectives on who wrote it.

The ongoing debate about the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew reflects the complexity of the historical and textual evidence. It also highlights the importance of ongoing scholarship and research in understanding the origins and significance of this foundational Christian text.

Significance of authorship: Understanding the Gospel’s message

The question of who wrote the Gospel of Matthew is significant because it can help us to better understand the gospel’s message and purpose. If the gospel was written by Matthew the apostle, then it is likely that it reflects his unique perspective as a close follower of Jesus.

Matthew was a tax collector before he became a disciple of Jesus. This background may have influenced his emphasis on themes such as money and material possessions in the gospel. Matthew’s gospel also contains a number of parables that are unique to his gospel, such as the parable of the talents and the parable of the ten virgins. These parables may reflect Matthew’s own experiences and concerns.

On the other hand, if the Gospel of Matthew was written by a later author, then it is possible that the gospel was shaped by the needs and concerns of the early Christian community. The author may have used Matthew’s name to give the gospel an air of authority, or they may have simply been trying to preserve the traditions about Jesus that had been passed down through the years.

Ultimately, the question of who wrote the Gospel of Matthew is a complex one that cannot be answered with certainty. However, by considering the evidence and the different theories about authorship, we can gain a better understanding of the gospel’s message and purpose.

Whether the author was Matthew the apostle or a later writer, the Gospel of Matthew is a valuable and important text for Christians around the world. It is a source of inspiration and guidance, and it has played a major role in shaping Christian thought and practice for centuries.

FAQ

Have questions about books? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you:

Question 1: What is the best way to find a book to read?
Answer: There are many ways to find a book to read. You can ask friends and family for recommendations, check out book reviews online or in magazines, or browse the shelves at your local library or bookstore.

Question 2: How do I choose a book that I will enjoy?
Answer: Consider your interests and hobbies when choosing a book. If you enjoy history, you might want to read a historical novel or a biography. If you prefer mysteries, you might want to try a crime thriller or a whodunit.

Question 3: How can I get the most out of reading a book?
Answer: When you read a book, try to be present and engaged with the story. Take your time and savor the words. Pay attention to the characters, the setting, and the plot. You might also want to keep a journal to record your thoughts and reactions to the book.

Question 4: What are some benefits of reading books?
Answer: Reading books has many benefits, including improving your vocabulary, increasing your knowledge, and reducing stress. Reading can also help you to become more empathetic and understanding of others.

Question 5: How can I encourage my children to read books?
Answer: There are many ways to encourage your children to read books. You can read to them aloud when they are young, take them to the library regularly, and provide them with a variety of books to choose from. You can also talk to your children about the books they are reading and help them to find books that they enjoy.

Question 6: Where can I find free books to read?
Answer: There are many places where you can find free books to read. You can check out books from your local library, or you can download free e-books from online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also find free books at garage sales, thrift stores, and online book-sharing websites.

Hopefully, these answers have been helpful. Happy reading!

And now, here are some tips for getting the most out of your reading experience:

Tips

Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:

Tip 1: Find a comfortable reading spot.
Whether you prefer to read in a cozy armchair, at a coffee shop, or in bed, make sure you have a comfortable place to read where you won’t be disturbed.

Tip 2: Set aside dedicated reading time.
In our busy lives, it can be difficult to find time to read. However, if you want to make reading a regular habit, it’s important to set aside some dedicated reading time each day. Even if it’s just for 15 or 30 minutes, make reading a priority.

Tip 3: Keep a reading journal.
A reading journal is a great way to record your thoughts and reactions to the books you read. You can write about your favorite characters, plot twists, and themes. You can also use your reading journal to keep track of your reading progress and to set reading goals.

Tip 4: Join a book club or online reading community.
Joining a book club or online reading community is a great way to connect with other readers and to discuss the books you are reading. This can help you to get more out of your reading experience and to discover new books that you might not have otherwise found.

Remember, reading is a journey, not a destination. The more you read, the more you will enjoy it and the more benefits you will reap.

And now, here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your reading experience:

Conclusion

Books are a powerful force for good in the world. They can educate us, inspire us, and entertain us. They can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us better. They can also bring people together and create a sense of community.

In this article, we have explored some of the key questions surrounding the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew. We have also discussed the significance of authorship and the importance of reading books in general.

Whether you are a Christian or not, the Gospel of Matthew is a valuable and important text that has had a profound impact on Western culture. It is a book that is still read and studied today by people all over the world.

So next time you are looking for a good book to read, consider picking up a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. You might be surprised at what you find.