Who is the author of Matthew’s Gospel? This question has intrigued scholars and theologians for centuries. The authorship of the first book of the New Testament is a topic of great debate, with various theories and interpretations being proposed over the years.
The traditional view, held by many early church fathers, identifies the apostle Matthew as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. This belief is based on the assumption that the book itself contains internal evidence suggesting that its author was a close associate of Jesus and a follower of the apostle Matthew. The opening verse of the Gospel reads, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham,” which is a reference to the genealogy found in the Old Testament, suggesting a Jewish author.
However, some scholars argue that the Gospel of Matthew was actually written by a different individual, possibly a Gentile, who used the teachings and miracles of Jesus to convey a message to the Gentile world. This theory is supported by the fact that Matthew includes more references to the Old Testament and Jewish customs than the other Synoptic Gospels, suggesting a Jewish author. Additionally, the use of Greek language and certain theological perspectives indicate that the author may have been a Gentile.
Another theory suggests that the Gospel of Matthew was written by a group of disciples or followers of Jesus, rather than a single individual. This view is based on the idea that the Gospel was compiled from various sources, including the teachings of Jesus, the apostle Matthew’s personal experiences, and the testimonies of other disciples.
Despite the ongoing debate, the consensus among most scholars is that the author of Matthew’s Gospel was likely a Jewish follower of Jesus, possibly the apostle Matthew himself. This individual would have had firsthand knowledge of Jesus’ life, teachings, and miracles, which he recorded in the Gospel.
In conclusion, the authorship of Matthew’s Gospel remains a subject of scholarly inquiry and debate. While the traditional view identifies the apostle Matthew as the author, other theories propose alternative possibilities. Regardless of the exact identity of the author, the Gospel of Matthew continues to be a foundational text in Christian theology and a source of inspiration for millions around the world.
