Was Matthew Jewish?
The question of whether Matthew, the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament, was Jewish has intrigued scholars and theologians for centuries. This inquiry delves into the historical and cultural context of the time, examining the religious identity of Matthew and its implications for the Gospel he wrote.
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before his conversion to Christianity. As a tax collector, he was likely a member of the Jewish community, as tax collectors during the Roman occupation were often Jews. However, the evidence regarding his Jewish identity is not straightforward, and interpretations vary among scholars.
One piece of evidence suggesting that Matthew was Jewish is his use of Jewish customs and terminology in his Gospel. For instance, he frequently employs Jewish references and allusions, such as the use of the term “kingdom of heaven” instead of “kingdom of God.” This suggests that he was familiar with Jewish religious concepts and intended his Gospel to be accessible to his Jewish audience.
Moreover, Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy is another indication of his Jewish identity. He quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures extensively, emphasizing Jesus’ role as the Messiah and connecting his teachings and miracles to Old Testament prophecies. This approach indicates that Matthew aimed to present Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, thereby appealing to his Jewish audience.
On the other hand, some scholars argue that Matthew’s Jewish identity is not as clear-cut. They point out that Matthew’s Gospel contains a significant number of Greek words and phrases, suggesting that he was also familiar with Greek culture and language. This could imply that he was a Hellenistic Jew, a Jewish person who had adopted Greek customs and language.
Furthermore, the fact that Matthew’s Gospel was written in Greek, rather than Aramaic or Hebrew, has led some scholars to question his Jewish identity. They argue that this indicates a desire to reach a broader audience, including non-Jews, and that Matthew may have been more focused on appealing to Gentiles than to his fellow Jews.
In conclusion, while there is evidence to suggest that Matthew was Jewish, the question of his Jewish identity remains open to debate. His use of Jewish customs, terminology, and references to Jewish prophecy indicate a strong Jewish background, but the presence of Greek language and cultural elements in his Gospel raises questions about his Hellenistic identity. Ultimately, the question of whether Matthew was Jewish is a complex one, and it may never be fully resolved. However, regardless of his Jewish identity, Matthew’s Gospel remains a significant work that has shaped Christian theology and practice for centuries.
