Matthew was written by Isador, a disciple of Matthew.
Isador wrote in Greek, but he had an Aramaic record of the “sayings of Jesus” compiled by Matthew.
Isador wrote Matthew in A.D. 71 at Pella. He had Matthew’s notes which had been revised in A.D. 40.
Isador also had four-fifths of Mark’s record.
The last copy of Matthew’s notes was destroyed in the burning of a Syrian monastery in A.D. 416.
(The above facts regarding authorship of Matthew are from the Urantia Book, UB 121:8.1.)
Scholars have doubted that Matthew wrote this Gospel because it does not seem that the author was an eyewitness. They believe it was written about A.D. 75 to 80.
It is the Jewish viewpoint of Christ’s life and work.
The virgin birth. “‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Enmanuel.’” 1:23. (Isa. 7:14)
The star of Bethlehem. “The star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.” 2:9.
John’s preaching. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching…‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” 3:1,2.
Jesus’ baptism. “And when Jesus was baptized…he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove…and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” 3:16.
Ministry of angels. “Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.” 4:11.
Fishers of men. “And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” 4:19.
The Beatitudes. “‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” 5:3.
Light of the world. “‘You are the light of the world.’” 5:14.
The perfection mandate. “‘You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’” 5:48.
Secret charity. “‘When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret.’” 6:3,4.
Verbose praying. “‘And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words.’” 6:7.
Two masters. “‘No one can serve two masters.’” 6:24.
Seek first the kingdom. “‘Seek first his kingdom…and all these things shall be yours as well.’” 6:33.
Judge not. “‘Judge not, that you be not judged.’” 7:1.
Pearls before swine. “‘Do not throw your pearls before swine.’” 7:6.
Nowhere to lay his head “‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.’” 8:20.
Authority to forgive. “'But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins-he then said to the paralytic-‘Rise, take up your bed and go home.’” 9:6
Calling sinners. “‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” 9:13.
Wisdom of the serpent. “‘Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’” 10:16.
Becoming like a child. “‘Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” 18:3.
Paying taxes. “‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” 22:21.
Being consistent. “‘You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel.’” 23:24.
The second advent. “‘But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.’” 24:36.
Stewardship. “‘But from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’” 25:29.
To one of the least. “‘“As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”’” 25:40.
Passing of the cup. “He fell on his face and prayed, ‘My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.’” 26:39.
Twelve legions of angels. “‘Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?’” 26:53.
Supreme sovereignty. “And Jesus…said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” 28:18.
Always with us. “‘And lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.’” 28:20.