The Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written in the first century AD, sometime between 80-90 CE. It is often referred to as "the Gospel of the Kingdom" or "the Gospel of the King," as it strongly emphasizes the kingship of Jesus and the establishment of God's kingdom on Earth.
Matthew's gospel serves as a narrative of Jesus' life, starting with his genealogy, birth, and early ministry. It includes significant events such as the Sermon on the Mount, parables, miracles, and the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The gospel also highlights Jesus' teachings and instructions to his disciples and provides a theological foundation for the early Christian community.
Matthew's gospel was primarily written for a Jewish audience, and it seeks to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It emphasizes the continuity between the Jewish faith and the teachings of Jesus, showing that Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
In addition to his authorship of the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew is also venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, Lutheran Church, Anglican Communion, and other Christian traditions. He is often depicted in religious art as a winged man, holding a book or a scroll, symbolizing his role as a gospel writer.