The First Gospel. Matthew the Apostle is called also Levi. (mark ii. 14.) Matthew signifies the Gift of God, which is also the meaning of the similar names Matthias and Mattathias. The Greek name Theodoras, or Theodore, has the same meaning.
Matthew was the son of Alphæus (Mark ii. 14) and was probably a Galilean Jew. His home was at Capernaum. He was a publican, or tax-collector, under the Roman government, and these tax-farmers were usually men of wealth and repute. He was called to be an apostle during the first year of Jesus' ministry. The last mention of Matthew's name in the New Testament is in Acts i. 13. His labors were chiefly confined to the Jews in Palestine, for whom he wrote his Gospel.
Matthew has been placed on the list of martyrs, by many writers, but ancient testimony declares his decease not to have been violent. Bible scholars, almost without dispute, believe Matthew to be the author of the Gospel bearing his name. Unanimously the Church joins in declaring this to be the first of the four gospels. It must have been written after the crucifixion, but before the destruction of Jerusalem, not far from the year 50. This Gospel was probably written in Palestine, and presumably at Jerusalem, and is supposed to have been dedicated to the Christian converts in Palestine. Traditions confirm this inference.
