The Listener’s Commentary Backstory to the Gospel of Matthew
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Nov 2, 2023 Exploring the origins and authorship of the Gospel of Matthew, the importance of understanding the Jewish context, and structural markers that highlight Jesus as a king and teacher.
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Early Church Testimony On Authorship
- Early church fathers like Papias, Irenaeus, and Origen unanimously attributed Matthew's gospel to Matthew the apostle.
- Their testimony links the gospel's authorship to an early tradition dating within a generation of the apostles.
Matthew: From Tax Collector To Apostle
- Matthew (also called Levi) was a tax collector who hosted a large feast and then left his business to follow Jesus.
- The gospel records very little else about Matthew beyond his calling and listing among the twelve apostles.
Uncertain Dating Of Matthew
- Scholars debate gospel order; many think Mark was first, but traditions and uncertainties leave Matthew's date open.
- Matthew likely wrote in the first century, plausibly between about 50 and 70, and maybe earlier if tradition holds.