Did Matthew Write The Book Of Matthew? Unveiling Authorship and Historical Context

The question, “Did Matthew write the Book of Matthew?” is a foundational one for understanding the origins and authority of the first book in the New Testament. It’s a question that delves into authorship, tradition, and the early Christian community. While the Gospel of Matthew bears the name “Matthew,” the answer isn’t as simple as a straightforward “yes.” This article explores the evidence, historical context, and differing perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of this critical inquiry.

The Traditional View: Matthew the Apostle as Author

The prevailing tradition, dating back to the early Church, attributes the Gospel of Matthew to Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi, the tax collector. This view is rooted in several key factors:

  • The Gospel’s Internal Consistency: The Gospel consistently presents Matthew as a key figure, including his calling by Jesus (Matthew 9:9) and his inclusion in the lists of the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:3). While this doesn’t definitively prove authorship, it suggests a familiarity with the subject matter.
  • Early Church Fathers: Early Church Fathers, such as Papias, Irenaeus, and Origen, consistently attributed the Gospel to Matthew. Papias, writing in the early 2nd century, reportedly stated that Matthew wrote the sayings (logia) of Jesus in Hebrew. While the exact meaning of “logia” is debated, this early testimony is crucial.
  • The Title’s Significance: The consistent attribution of the Gospel to Matthew, even in the absence of a definitive signature, points to the importance of the author’s identity in the early Christian community.

Examining the Internal Evidence: Clues Within the Text

Analyzing the Gospel itself offers further insights, though not always conclusive. The text’s internal evidence provides some support for Matthean authorship, but also raises questions:

  • Detailed Accounts of Jesus’ Teachings: The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This focus aligns with the tradition of Matthew recording Jesus’ sayings.
  • Jewish Perspective and Audience: The Gospel displays a strong understanding of Jewish customs, traditions, and expectations. This suggests the author was writing for a primarily Jewish audience. Matthew frequently references the Old Testament, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.
  • The “Tax Collector” Perspective: Although Matthew’s profession as a tax collector is mentioned, the Gospel doesn’t explicitly portray him as a prominent or central figure. Some argue this subtly suggests the author’s humility or a perspective not overly focused on personal glorification.

Challenges to Traditional Authorship: The Problem of Language and Sources

Despite the compelling traditional view, certain aspects of the Gospel of Matthew present challenges to the idea of direct authorship by Matthew the Apostle:

  • The Greek Language: The Gospel of Matthew is written in Greek, not Aramaic or Hebrew. If Matthew, a Palestinian Jew, primarily spoke Aramaic, this raises the question of how he would have written such polished Greek. Some scholars suggest the existence of an earlier Aramaic version, but no such text has been discovered.
  • Reliance on Mark: The Gospel of Matthew appears to have used the Gospel of Mark as a primary source. Approximately 80% of Mark’s Gospel is found in Matthew. This raises questions about Matthew’s original contribution and his role as a direct eyewitness.
  • The “Q” Source: Scholars believe Matthew also used a hypothetical source known as “Q” (from the German word “Quelle,” meaning “source”), a collection of sayings of Jesus. This further complicates the picture of Matthew as the sole author and primary source of the material.

Alternative Theories: Anonymous Authorship and Matthean Influence

Given the challenges, alternative theories about the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew have emerged:

  • Anonymous Authorship with Matthean Influence: Some scholars propose that the Gospel was written anonymously, but later attributed to Matthew. This theory suggests that the author may have known Matthew or had access to his teachings, using his name to lend authority to the text.
  • The “Matthean Community”: This perspective posits that the Gospel was a product of a community of believers associated with Matthew. The author may have been a member of this community, drawing on Matthew’s teachings and traditions.
  • A Later Author Using Earlier Sources: Another view suggests that the author was a later writer who compiled existing traditions, sayings, and potentially an earlier version of the Gospel, attributing the work to Matthew to connect it to the Apostle.

The Significance of Authorship: Understanding the Gospel’s Purpose

Regardless of the exact authorship, understanding the purpose of the Gospel of Matthew is crucial:

  • Presenting Jesus as Messiah: Matthew’s Gospel presents Jesus as the promised Messiah of the Jews, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
  • Emphasizing Jesus’ Authority: The Gospel highlights Jesus’ authority as a teacher, healer, and the Son of God.
  • Defining Christian Discipleship: Matthew outlines the core principles of Christian life, focusing on ethical behavior, community, and following Jesus’ teachings.

Approaching the question of Matthew’s authorship requires a balanced perspective. While the traditional view is well-established and supported by early Church testimony, the internal evidence and the use of sources necessitate careful consideration. The Gospel of Matthew is a complex work, and the exact details of its creation may remain debated. However, the Gospel’s significance lies in its presentation of Jesus and its impact on the development of Christian theology and practice.

Understanding the Implications: Why Authorship Matters

The question of authorship influences how we interpret the Gospel:

  • Historical Context: Knowing the author (or community) helps us understand the intended audience and the historical context in which the Gospel was written.
  • Reliability and Authority: Traditionally, the attribution to Matthew (an Apostle) provided the Gospel with authority and reliability. Understanding the source helps us assess the trustworthiness of the text.
  • Theological Interpretation: The author’s perspective shapes the theological themes and emphasis in the Gospel. Analyzing the author’s background and perspective enables a deeper understanding of their intent.

Modern Scholarship’s Input: Continued Debate and Exploration

Modern biblical scholarship continues to explore the authorship of Matthew. Scholars analyze the text, historical evidence, and cultural context to refine our understanding. The debate is ongoing, with various viewpoints and interpretations.

Conclusion: A Complex Question with Lasting Impact

The question of whether Matthew wrote the Book of Matthew is a complex one, with no easy answer. While the traditional view, supported by early Church Fathers, attributes the Gospel to Matthew the Apostle, challenges exist regarding the language, sources, and internal consistency. Alternative theories suggest anonymous authorship, Matthean influence, or the work of a later author compiling earlier materials. Ultimately, the Gospel’s significance lies in its presentation of Jesus as Messiah, its teachings on Christian discipleship, and its lasting impact on Christian theology and practice. The debate surrounding authorship continues to enrich our understanding of the Gospel and its place in the Christian faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary evidence supporting the traditional view of Matthean authorship?

The primary support comes from the consistent attribution of the Gospel to Matthew by early Church Fathers, such as Papias, Irenaeus, and Origen, along with the text’s internal clues that link Matthew to the Gospel.

How does the use of the Gospel of Mark affect the question of authorship?

The fact that Matthew appears to have used Mark as a source raises questions about Matthew’s role as a direct eyewitness and original author. It suggests Matthew may have been compiling and adapting existing material.

What is the “Q” source, and why is it relevant to this discussion?

“Q” is a hypothetical source containing sayings of Jesus, which Matthew and Luke are believed to have used. Its existence suggests that Matthew was not the sole originator of all the material in his Gospel.

Why is the language of the Gospel of Matthew a point of contention?

The Gospel is written in Greek, not Aramaic or Hebrew, which raises questions about how Matthew, a Palestinian Jew, could have written in such a polished Greek style.

What are the implications for the reader, regardless of the author’s identity?

Regardless of who wrote the Gospel, its message regarding Jesus’s teachings, the presentation of the Messiah, and the overall theology remains a cornerstone of Christian faith and practice.