Unveiling the Authorship of the Gospel of Matthew- Decoding the Mystery Behind the Bible’s First Book
Who wrote the book of Matthew in the Bible has been a topic of much debate and scholarly inquiry over the centuries. The New Testament book of Matthew is the first book of the Christian Bible and is traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, a close follower of Jesus Christ. However, the exact identity of the author has been a subject of scholarly debate, with various theories and interpretations put forth by biblical scholars.
The Gospel of Matthew is the first of the four canonical Gospels, and it is widely believed to have been written in the first century AD. The author, traditionally known as “Matthew,” is thought to have been a tax collector before his conversion to Christianity. This detail is mentioned in the Gospel itself, which states that Jesus called Matthew to be one of his twelve apostles (Matthew 9:9).
However, the actual authorship of the book is not explicitly stated within the text. The Gospel of Matthew was written in Greek, and it is believed that the original author was a Greek-speaking Jew. This suggests that the author may have been familiar with both Jewish and Greek cultures, which is a significant factor in understanding the content and style of the book.
Scholars have proposed several theories regarding the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew. One of the most widely accepted theories is that the apostle Matthew wrote the Gospel in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, and that another author, possibly a Greek-speaking Jew, later translated it into Greek. This theory is supported by the fact that the Gospel of Matthew contains numerous Aramaic expressions and phrases that are not found in the other Gospels.
Another theory suggests that the Gospel of Matthew was written by an anonymous author who was a follower of the apostle Matthew but not necessarily the apostle himself. This view is based on the lack of specific information about the author’s background and the fact that the Gospel does not explicitly claim to be written by an apostle.
Regardless of the author’s identity, the Gospel of Matthew has had a profound impact on Christian theology and practice. It presents a narrative of Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and his role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The book of Matthew also contains the Sermon on the Mount, which is one of the most significant teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
In conclusion, while the exact identity of the author of the book of Matthew in the Bible remains a subject of scholarly debate, the Gospel has undeniably shaped Christian thought and tradition. The author’s background, whether as the apostle Matthew or another individual, has had a significant influence on the content and style of the book, which continues to be a cornerstone of Christian faith and practice.
