The Authorship and Historical Context of the Gospel of Matthew

The Authorship and Historical Context of the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels, has long been a subject of scholarly debate regarding its authorship. Traditionally, it is attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, who is often referred to as ‘Matthew the tax collector’. However, this attribution has been challenged over the years, and various theories and insights have emerged to better understand the authorship and historical context of this Gospel.

The Traditional Attribution

According to early Christian tradition, the Gospel of Matthew was authored by Matthew, a tax collector who became one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. This view was influenced by church fathers such as Papias, who lived in the middle of the 2nd century. Papias reported that Matthew wrote down the sayings of Jesus, originally in Hebrew, which was then translated into Greek by others.

Church Tradition and Translation

Church tradition maintained that the Gospel was written in Hebrew, though modern scholars believe this to be likely a depiction of Matthew's original language, which was likely Aramaic or Hebrew. Bishop Papias' statement, dating from around 125 AD, suggests that Matthew “composed the oracles of Jesus in the Hebrew language, and each interpreted them as he was able.” This tradition highlights the connection between the author and the immediate Jewish audience.

Modern Scholarly Analysis

Modern scholars have also delved into the text to explore its origins and authorship. Given the parallels between the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark, some scholars suggest that Matthew did not author the Gospel independently but rather composed it based on Mark’s Gospel, along with additional material. This theory is supported by the synoptic analysis, which compares the three Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Modern Theories and Debates

Some scholars argue that Matthew's Gospel was written by someone other than Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples. They believe the Gospel reflects a later collection of sayings and traditions, likely compiled by a skilled writer who had knowledge of both the oral and written traditions of the early Christian community. It is possible that the author was familiar with Mark but chose to include more detailed accounts and teachings of Jesus, reflecting a later[ecclesiastical] perspective.

It is also noteworthy that the introduction of narration in the Gospel of Matthew about the conversion of Matthew from a publican to a disciple is unusual. While Mark identifies this person as Levi, son of Alphaeus, Matthew identifies himself as Matthew. The reason for this identification is unclear, leading some scholars to speculate that the Gospel was written at a time when Matthew, as a prominent member of the early Christian community, sought to establish the legitimacy of his understanding of Jesus and his teachings.

If Matthew wrote it, then why is it called that way?

Another point of contention is the reason for the Gospel being attributed to Matthew, considering the heavy reliance on Mark's Gospel. If Matthew did indeed write some form of the Gospel, it might have been a condensation or expansion of earlier sayings and stories. Moreover, the attribution might have been made to establish credibility and emphasize the connection between the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian community.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Matthew remains a complex and multifaceted text, with various theories and interpretations regarding its authorship. Whether Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, or another skilled writer, the Gospel offers profound insights into the teachings and life of Jesus, shaping the Christian understanding of his message and legacy.