Who is the author of Matthew in the New Testament? This question has intrigued scholars and theologians for centuries. The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, holds a significant place in Christian theology and history. Understanding the authorship of this influential text is crucial for deciphering its intended message and its impact on the development of Christian faith.
The traditional view identifies the apostle Matthew as the author of the Gospel. This belief is based on early Christian writings, including the works of Papias and Irenaeus, who attributed the Gospel to Matthew. However, the actual evidence for Matthew’s authorship is somewhat circumstantial and open to debate.
One piece of evidence supporting the apostolic authorship is the Gospel’s emphasis on the Jewish roots of Jesus’ ministry. Matthew frequently quotes from the Old Testament and addresses the Jewish audience, which suggests that the author had a deep understanding of Jewish culture and theology. This knowledge aligns with the apostle Matthew’s background as a tax collector, which would have placed him in close contact with Jewish society.
Another argument for Matthew’s authorship is the use of the Aramaic term “Yeshua” instead of the Greek “Iesous” in the Gospel. This has been interpreted as evidence that the author was familiar with Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus and his disciples. Matthew’s familiarity with Aramaic and his Jewish background further support the notion that he was the author of the Gospel.
However, there are also reasons to question the apostolic authorship of Matthew. Some scholars argue that the Gospel’s language and style suggest that it was written by someone with a more polished Greek command than the apostle Matthew would have possessed. Additionally, the Gospel contains a strong emphasis on Gentile converts, which some scholars believe indicates that the author may have been writing for a Gentile audience.
In conclusion, while the traditional view attributes the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew to the apostle Matthew, there are compelling arguments on both sides of the debate. The true authorship of this influential text remains a subject of scholarly inquiry and speculation. Regardless of the author’s identity, the Gospel of Matthew continues to be a foundational text in Christian theology and history, offering valuable insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
