Matthias' Audience and Their Description in the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew was initially written for a specific audience, a detail often overlooked in modern interpretations. Early Christian writings suggest that it was first composed in Aramaic, meant for Jewish Christians in Judea, before being translated into Greek. This unique audience required a thoughtful and detailed understanding of their context.

The Intended Audience

Did Matthew write primarily for the Jews, as many believe? Not precisely. While the gospel does resonate with Jewish themes and rituals, it aims to establish a continuity between Judaism and the nascent Christian faith. Matthew presents Jesus as a fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, showing that Jesus is indeed the Christ (Messiah) the Jews have been eagerly anticipating. Furthermore, Matthew makes frequent misquotes of the Old Testament and takes verses out of context, which some scholars attribute to a lack of formal education in the Tanakh. This suggests that Matthew was attempting to connect the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating continuity and coherence in the developing Christian narrative.

Who Were They?

Matthew's audience was predominantly Jewish Christians who lived in Judea. They were likely people like himself, who had been tax collectors or publicans. These individuals were among the lowest rungs of society in their time, despised by many for their profession, which was seen as a collaborative extension of Roman rule. Matthew himself, a former tax collector, had a personal story that likely informed his narrative. He chose to become a part of the new faith, leaving behind a life that, while perhaps comfortable, was founded on the distrust and disdain of the Jewish community.

Part of the gospel's audience also included other Jewish believers, such as fishermen like Peter and his brother Andrew, and the disciples of John the Baptist, who were transforming their lives to follow the teachings of Jesus. This movement was not just about personal belief but about a communal shift towards a new understanding of religious and societal roles.

The Universal Audience of All Nations

Matthew's gospel, however, does not end with these initial recipients. Indeed, the text explicitly states its universal audience in Matthew 28:19: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...". Jesus gives his followers unequivocal authority and instruction, empowering them to share the message with all people—from the far reaches of the then-known world to the ends of the earth. This is not a local or nationalistic undertaking but a global mission.

The actual audience, according to the text, is "all nations," inclusive of every person from every culture and background. This is a powerful statement, meant to be understood as a call to spread the message of Christianity to all people, regardless of their origin or social status. The Gospel of Matthew is, in essence, a treatise on the universal nature of salvation and the inclusive nature of Christ's teachings.

Characterizing the Audience

While Matthew's gospel offers a message of grace and redemption, its portrayal of the audience is often challenging. Psalm 14:1–3 provides a stark description of the human condition: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt: they have done abominable works. There is none that doeth good." This characterization paints a dire picture of humanity’s inherent sinfulness and estrangement from God.

Thus, while the gospel encourages its readers to embrace the grace of Jesus and find rest in his teachings, it also serves as a reminder of humanity's brokenness and need for divine intervention. The audience, as described by Matthew, is a complex mix of those who are receptive and those who are resistant to the message of Christ.

Ultimately, the Gospel of Matthew invites its readers to reflect on their own position in relation to God and the message of the text. It calls them to embrace a life that is transformed by faith in Jesus Christ, one that is light and easy, as opposed to the heavy burdens of human sin and misunderstanding.

For those receptive to this message, the gospel offers a profound sense of rest and purpose. Conversely, for those who reject it, the text serves as a powerful reminder of the divine judgment and the need for repentance. In this way, Matthew's gospel is both a challenge and a call to action for its readers.