Gospel of Matthew
First Gospel, presenting Jesus as Jewish Messiah fulfilling scripture.
The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, one of the four canonical Gospels, and one of the three synoptic Gospels. It tells of Jesus, recording his birth, his ministry from his baptism by John the Baptist, his crucifixion, his resurrection, and his mission to the world. It emphasizes that Jewish tradition should not be lost in an increasingly gentile church and presents Jesus as the Jewish Messiah who fulfills the prophecies written in the Jewish scriptures.
- field
- Gospel, New Testament
- known_for
- First book of the New Testament; emphasizes Jesus as Jewish Messiah; used by early Christians
- language
- Greek (author familiar with Hebrew)
- authorship
- Anonymous; traditionally attributed to Matthew the apostle by Papias of Hierapolis
- date
- Last quarter of the first century (some scholars argue 40s–50s CE)
- sources
- Most scholars believe Matthew used Mark and the Q source; alternatives include Farrer hypothesis and Matthean Posteriority
Lore & Background
The Gospel of Matthew was written anonymously in the last quarter of the first century by a Jewish author familiar with legal aspects of scripture and the Hebrew language. Papias of Hierapolis, a companion of the Elder and the daughters of Philip, provides the first attribution to Matthew. The text may incorporate a source from Matthew, and traditional authorship still has conservative defenders. The gospel was highly popular among early Christians; scholars increasingly contend that it was used by both Luke and John. Most scholars believe that Matthew used Mark and the Q source, but a growing number of scholars are skeptical of Q and advocate for the Farrer hypothesis or Matthean Posteriority instead.
Reader's Guide
The Gospel of Matthew reflects conflicts between Jewish Christians and other Jews, particularly with its criticism of the scribes and Pharisees, presenting the view that the Kingdom of Heaven has been taken away from them and given to the church. It emphasizes Jesus’s role as the Son of David, Son of Man, and Son of God, and frames his teachings, miracles, and parables to reflect both Jewish law and the Christian church. It culminates in the Passion, Resurrection, and Great Commission, having been structured around alternating narratives and discourses. The gospel is the product of the second generation of the Christian movement, although it draws on the memory of the first generation of the disciples of Jesus. Its significance lies in its role as a foundational text for Christian theology, bridging Jewish tradition and the emerging gentile church, and in its influence on later Gospels and early Christian communities.
Did You Know?
- The gospel was written anonymously; Papias of Hierapolis first attributed it to Matthew.
- Most scholars view the author as a Jew familiar with Hebrew and Torah, standing on the margin between traditional and non-traditional Jewish values.
- The gospel alternates five blocks of narrative with five of discourse, each marked off with the phrase 'When Jesus had finished'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of the Gospel of Matthew?
The text itself is anonymous, but early church tradition—traced back to Papias of Hierapolis—credits it to Matthew the apostle. Modern scholarship generally treats the author as unknown, with most placing composition in the last quarter of the first century.
What is the Gospel of Matthew primarily about?
It narrates the life of Jesus from his birth, through his baptism, public ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. A central thread runs throughout: presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah who fulfills the prophecies found in the Hebrew scriptures.
How does the Gospel of Matthew end?
The final chapter records post-resurrection appearances and culminates in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make followers among all nations. He closes with the promise that he will remain with them until the end of the age.
Why is the Gospel of Matthew considered significant in the New Testament?
As the very first book of the New Testament, it profoundly shaped how early Christian communities understood Jesus's identity and mission. It also functioned as a bridge for Jewish believers, demonstrating that the new movement grew organically out of their scriptural heritage rather than replacing it.
What sources did the author of the Gospel of Matthew draw from?
Most scholars conclude the author relied heavily on the Gospel of Mark along with a shared collection of Jesus's sayings known as the Q source. Alternative models, such as the Farrer hypothesis, propose different literary relationships among the synoptic Gospels.
More in Christian Scriptures And Epistles 1-18
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