The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament and is traditionally attributed to Matthew, a former tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve apostles. While exact details about the circumstances of its writing are not definitively known, scholars have developed several theories based on historical, linguistic, and textual analysis. Here are some key points regarding the circumstances of its writing:
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Date: Scholars generally agree that the Gospel of Matthew was written between 70 CE and 90 CE, with some suggesting it might have been composed as late as 100 CE. The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE is a critical event that is often believed to have influenced the gospel's writing, as early references to the temple and its significance can be seen in the text.
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Audience: Matthew's Gospel is thought to have been written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience. It emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and portrays Jesus as the new Moses and the Messiah. This suggests that the author aimed to affirm the beliefs of Jewish Christians and to reinforce their understanding of Jesus' identity and mission.
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Context: The socio-political and religious context of the time would have affected the Gospel's writing. Following the destruction of the Temple, Jewish communities were undergoing significant changes, with increasing tensions between Jewish followers of Christ and more traditional Jewish groups. Matthew's Gospel can be seen as addressing these tensions, providing a framework for Jewish believers to understand their faith in the light of Jesus’ teachings.
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Structure and Themes: The Gospel is structured around five main discourses or teachings of Jesus (similar to the five books of the Torah), which may reflect an intention to connect Jesus’ teachings with Jewish tradition. Matthew emphasizes themes such as righteousness, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the importance of both the law and Jesus' new interpretation of it.
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Post-Resurrection Context: The gospel was likely written in a time when the early Christian community was trying to establish its identity distinct from Judaism while also grappling with its roots. Matthew’s Gospel addresses issues relevant to church life, morality, and ethics, which would have been significant as early Christians sought to understand their faith within a broader Greco-Roman context.
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Sources: Matthew is believed to have drawn upon various sources, including the Gospel of Mark, the hypothetical "Q" source (a collection of Jesus' sayings), and possibly other oral and written traditions prevalent among the early Christian communities.
In summary, the Gospel of Matthew was likely written in the late first century CE for a Jewish-Christian audience, amid the complex dynamics of a post-Temple society. The author sought to affirm Jesus' role as the Messiah while addressing the challenges and concerns of a community in transition.
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