When was Matthew written?

Most scholars date it between 80 and 90 CE, though some argue for the 60s. The text likely depends on the Gospel of Mark, which suggests a post-70 CE composition.

Tradition names the Apostle Matthew, but scholars agree the author is anonymous. The writer was likely a Jewish-Christian scribe familiar with Greek and Hebrew scriptures.

Is it historically reliable?

Historians treat it as a theological document rather than a modern biography. It preserves early traditions but reflects the community's needs and conflicts of the late first century.

How does it relate to the Gospel of Mark?

Matthew uses Mark as a primary source, incorporating most of its narrative structure. This relationship helps scholars reconstruct the development of early Christian literature.

Why does Matthew emphasize Jewish prophecy?

The author aims to demonstrate Jesus fulfills Hebrew scripture to a Jewish audience. This emphasis distinguishes the text from other gospels with more Gentile focus.

What is the significance of the Sermon on the Mount?

This central discourse outlines the ethical teachings of Jesus for the community. It reinterprets the law and establishes the moral framework for the movement.

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Christianity

Matthew

c. 80-90 CE, likely after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple.28 chapters

About this book

Jesus is the promised Jewish Messiah and King.

Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It records His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.

Read this if — You want to know Jesus as King.

Background & dating

The Gospel of Matthew emerges from a pivotal moment in early religious history, written roughly two generations after the death of Jesus. Scholars recognize it as the most Jewish of the canonical gospels, designed to persuade a community deeply rooted in Hebrew scripture that Jesus fulfills ancient prophecies. The author, writing in Greek but steeped in Jewish tradition, structures the life of Jesus around five major discourses, mirroring the five books of the Torah. This literary choice signals that Jesus is presenting a new interpretation of the law rather than abolishing it.

The historical backdrop involves the aftermath of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. For the author's community, the loss of the Temple created a theological vacuum that Matthew seeks to fill by presenting Jesus as the new center of worship and authority. The text reveals a bitter struggle between Jesus-followers and Pharisaic Judaism, evident in the sharp polemics against scribes and Pharisees. This conflict suggests the gospel was composed as the followers of Jesus were being expelled from synagogues, necessitating a clear definition of their distinct identity.

Despite its theological aims, the narrative preserves early traditions about Jesus' ministry, miracles, and passion. It balances universal mission with particular Jewish roots, culminating in the Great Commission to all nations. The gospel serves as a bridge, preserving Jewish heritage while expanding the movement beyond ethnic boundaries. Understanding this context helps readers see the text not merely as biography, but as a community document negotiating survival and meaning in a changing world.

Dating

Most scholars date the final composition between 80 and 90 CE, following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. While some propose an earlier date in the 60s, the majority consensus places it later to account for theological developments and the use of the Gospel of Mark. The text likely incorporates earlier oral traditions and written sources, but the final form reflects the post-70 context.

Authorship

Traditional church attribution assigns the text to Matthew the Apostle, the tax collector. However, critical scholarship views the author as anonymous, likely a Jewish-Christian scribe writing in Greek. This redactor utilized sources like the Gospel of Mark and the hypothetical Q source to construct a narrative emphasizing Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.

Setting

The text reflects a community in tension with formative Judaism, possibly located in Syria or Antioch. It addresses the crisis of the Temple's destruction and the separation of Jesus-followers from synagogue life. The narrative engages heavily with Jewish law and prophecy to define the group's identity within the Roman Empire.

Genre

Jewish-Christian gospel narrative

Frequently asked

When was Matthew written?: Most scholars date it between 80 and 90 CE, though some argue for the 60s. The text likely depends on the Gospel of Mark, which suggests a post-70 CE composition.
Who wrote Matthew?: Tradition names the Apostle Matthew, but scholars agree the author is anonymous. The writer was likely a Jewish-Christian scribe familiar with Greek and Hebrew scriptures.
Is it historically reliable?: Historians treat it as a theological document rather than a modern biography. It preserves early traditions but reflects the community's needs and conflicts of the late first century.
How does it relate to the Gospel of Mark?: Matthew uses Mark as a primary source, incorporating most of its narrative structure. This relationship helps scholars reconstruct the development of early Christian literature.
Why does Matthew emphasize Jewish prophecy?: The author aims to demonstrate Jesus fulfills Hebrew scripture to a Jewish audience. This emphasis distinguishes the text from other gospels with more Gentile focus.
What is the significance of the Sermon on the Mount?: This central discourse outlines the ethical teachings of Jesus for the community. It reinterprets the law and establishes the moral framework for the movement.

Chapters

with commentary:MHOrigen

MHOrigen