THE GOSPEL OF LUKE The author known as 'Matthew' is a superb writer who often ads stylistic flourish to a particular saying or parable of Jesus. The majority opinion places Matthew's Gospel roughly from the same decade as the Gospel of Luke. Most scholars peg this work between 80 and 100 C.E. It has been suggested that Matthew lived in Antioch, Syria, since Bishop Ignatius of Antioch appears to be quoting passages from this Gospel as early as 110 CE.

A Greek Orthodox icon of St. Matthew

Matthew's principal focus is to demonstrate that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah, but in a spiritual, not a political sense. What's more, Matthew forcefully shows that Jesus rose after his death, went to heaven and is there to prepare a 'Second Coming' that is imminent. Matthew argues his case with great polish and style, and his version of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount rightfully ranks as one of the great moments in ancient literature.

It has often been pointed out that Matthew writes with a certain bias against certain Jewish circles, particularly the Pharisees, the Saduccees and the professional class of priestly scribes. This bias was undoubtedly motivated by the fact that in Matthew's time, Jews were increasingly turning to the rabbis, who were in a sense heirs to the Pharisaic reform movement, to interpret for them how to live a life of fidelity to God's covenant after the destruction of the Temple.

Matthew's second major concern is the growth of the Christian community as a cohesive church -- and indeed, the instrument of God's salvation of earth. Matthew places greater emphasis on the teachings of Jesus than any other Gospel. Paramount among these are his segments on the Sermon of the Mount (Ch. 5-7), an elaboration on the concept of the Kingdom of God through parables (Ch. 13), and a preparation for the End of Times through faith in God (Ch. 23-25).

Matthew writes for a Gentile audience that no longer needs to concern itself with the vexing issues that confronted Paul -- how to live as authentic Christians without the benefit a Jewish pedigree. Secure in its role as fully accepted followers of Christ, this community is focused on the building of an independent Christian church and is eager for Jesus' teachings that are of immediate relevance for this task.