Who is generally accepted to be the author of the gospel of Matthew?

Isn't it interesting how the Gospel of Matthew winds its way through the stories of Jesus? Most traditional accounts suggest Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, is behind this vividly detailed book. However, some scholars lean toward the idea that it was crafted by an unknown writer, cleverly drawing from Mark's Gospel, along with other sources, to knit a comprehensive narrative.

Now here’s a fun piece of trivia: Matthew's Gospel is the only one that uses the term "church," or "ekklesia" in Greek! That’s a pretty big deal because it highlights that early Christian communities were coming together and forming amidst the shifts in the socio-religious landscape of the time. You can think of Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says, "on this rock, I will build my church," suggesting that believers have a distinct community role.

Also intriguing is Matthew's emphasis on fulfillment of Hebrew prophecies. Time and again, you’ll see phrases like "that it might be fulfilled" peppered throughout the text. This helps the ancient Jewish readers see Jesus as the prophesied Messiah in a way that resonates deeply with their faith. From the royal genealogy at the start to the Great Commission at the end, Mark’s influence is definitely there as a sturdy undercurrent, turning into an intricate weave of teachings, parables, and missionary zeal for which the Gospel of Matthew is esteemed.