What Books Did Matthew Write? Unveiling the Gospel’s Author
The question “What books did Matthew write?” might seem straightforward, but it opens a fascinating window into biblical scholarship, authorship, and the early Christian world. While the answer is relatively concise, the story behind it is anything but. Let’s delve into the evidence, the traditions, and the scholarly debates surrounding the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew.
The Traditional Answer: The Gospel of Matthew
The most widely accepted answer, and the one you’ll find in almost every Bible, is that Matthew, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles, wrote the Gospel of Matthew. This attribution is based on early Christian tradition and the internal evidence within the Gospel itself. The text often refers to “Matthew the tax collector” and details his call to discipleship.
Evidence Supporting Matthew’s Authorship
- Early Church Fathers: Writers like Papias, Clement of Alexandria, and Irenaeus all attributed the Gospel to Matthew. Their writings, dating back to the 2nd century AD, provide the earliest external evidence.
- Internal Consistency: The Gospel’s perspective, particularly its focus on Jewish law and prophecy, aligns with Matthew’s background. He was a tax collector, a position that often involved literacy and meticulous record-keeping, which would have been useful for writing a Gospel.
- The Author’s Self-Identification: While not explicitly stated, the Gospel identifies Matthew as a disciple and includes details specific to his life.
Exploring the Scholarly Debate: Beyond Tradition
Despite the strong tradition, the question of authorship isn’t without its complexities. Modern biblical scholarship has raised several questions and proposed alternative interpretations.
The Synoptic Problem and Its Implications
One of the biggest challenges is the Synoptic Problem. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke share significant similarities in content, order, and wording. This has led scholars to propose different theories about how these Gospels relate to each other.
- Markan Priority: The most widely accepted theory is that Mark was written first and served as a primary source for Matthew and Luke.
- Q Source: Scholars also suggest the existence of a hypothetical document called “Q,” a collection of Jesus’s sayings, which Matthew and Luke may have used.
These theories raise questions about Matthew’s authorship. If Matthew used Mark as a source, it suggests he may not have been a direct eyewitness to all the events he describes.
Other Potential Authorship Theories
While the traditional view holds strong, other possibilities have been considered:
- Matthew’s Disciples or Followers: Some scholars propose that Matthew may have dictated the Gospel to a scribe or that it was written by a follower who had access to Matthew’s teachings and traditions.
- A Later Author Using Matthew’s Name: This theory suggests that the Gospel was written later, perhaps in the late 1st or early 2nd century, and attributed to Matthew to gain authority and credibility.
Delving into the Gospel’s Content: What Does it Tell Us?
Regardless of the precise authorship, the Gospel of Matthew is a rich and valuable text. It offers a unique perspective on Jesus’s life, teachings, and ministry.
The Gospel’s Focus on Jewish Themes and Prophecy
Matthew’s Gospel heavily emphasizes Jesus’s fulfillment of Jewish prophecies and his role as the Messiah of Israel. He frequently quotes the Old Testament to demonstrate how Jesus’s life and actions align with the Hebrew scriptures. This emphasis strongly suggests that the author was writing for a Jewish audience or for Christians who understood their Jewish heritage.
Key Themes and Teachings in Matthew’s Gospel
- The Kingdom of Heaven: Matthew frequently uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven” (a synonymous term for the “kingdom of God”) to describe the realm of God’s rule.
- The Sermon on the Mount: This iconic section (chapters 5-7) contains Jesus’s teachings on ethics, righteousness, and the principles of Christian living.
- Jesus’s Miracles and Ministry: Matthew details numerous miracles performed by Jesus, demonstrating his power and authority.
- The Great Commission: In the final chapter, Jesus instructs his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations,” a foundational passage for Christian missionary work.
Understanding Matthew’s Style of Writing
The Gospel of Matthew is known for its structured narrative, its use of parables and teachings, and its focus on the details of Jesus’s life. The author’s writing style is direct and purposeful, aimed at conveying a clear message about Jesus’s identity and mission.
Examining the Different Perspectives on Authorship
Understanding the different perspectives on authorship helps clarify the Gospel’s origin.
The Traditional View: Matthew the Apostle
This view, supported by early church tradition and the internal evidence, strongly states that Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, penned the Gospel. It’s the most widely accepted view.
The Scholarly View: Exploring the Evidence
Scholarly research delves deeper, examining the Synoptic Problem, considering the influence of Mark, and exploring possible alternative authors. This approach encourages critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of the text’s origins.
Weighing the Evidence: Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, determining the precise authorship of Matthew’s Gospel involves weighing the evidence from different sources. While the traditional view offers a clear answer, scholarly inquiry provides valuable context and prompts deeper reflection.
Further Exploration: Resources and Research
If you’re interested in learning more about the authorship of Matthew, here are some resources you can explore:
Recommended Books and Articles
- “The Gospel of Matthew” (commentary) by [Author Name]: This provides a detailed analysis of the Gospel’s content and historical context.
- “Introducing the New Testament” by [Author Name]: Offers an overview of New Testament literature, including discussions on authorship and date.
- Academic Journals: Search databases like JSTOR and Project MUSE for scholarly articles on the Synoptic Problem and the Gospel of Matthew.
Online Resources
- Bible Study Websites: Websites like Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible offer access to the text of the Gospel and commentaries.
- University Theology Departments: Websites often provide access to scholarly articles and lecture notes.
Answering Your Burning Questions
Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about the Gospel of Matthew’s authorship:
Did Matthew Know Jesus Personally?
According to the Gospel itself, Matthew was a disciple of Jesus, which suggests he knew Jesus personally. However, this is open for debate depending on your view of the authorship.
Why Is the Gospel of Matthew So Important?
Matthew’s Gospel is important because it presents a unique perspective on Jesus’s life and teachings, emphasizing his role as the Messiah and his fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. It lays the foundation for the Christian faith.
How Does Matthew’s Gospel Differ From Other Gospels?
Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes Jewish themes, provides a structured narrative, and focuses on Jesus’s teachings. It differs from Mark’s Gospel in length, detail, and organization.
What Is the Primary Purpose of Matthew’s Gospel?
The primary purpose is to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament, to provide a record of his teachings and ministry, and to call people to faith.
Is the Gospel of Matthew a Historical Account?
The Gospel of Matthew is a historical account, but it is also a theological document. It aims to present the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that conveys his significance as the Messiah and Lord.
Conclusion: Unraveling the Mystery
In conclusion, the question of “What books did Matthew write?” leads us directly to the Gospel of Matthew. While the traditional view, supported by early church tradition and the Gospel’s internal evidence, attributes the writing to the apostle Matthew, scholarly debate continues to explore the complexities of authorship. The Synoptic Problem, the potential influence of Mark, and alternative authorship theories all contribute to a rich and nuanced understanding of the Gospel’s origins. Regardless of the precise author, the Gospel of Matthew remains a foundational text, offering a powerful account of Jesus’s life, teachings, and significance for the Christian faith. It is a testament to Jesus’s life, his message, and his lasting impact on the world.