The answer is: Matthew

Some scholars think it was an unknown author, using the gospel of Mark and other sources as a basis for the gospel of Matthew.

It's widely believed that Matthew, the tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve disciples, is the author of this influential Gospel. However, the debate about authorship becomes pretty intriguing. Some scholars suggest that a different, unknown author may have penned it, drawing heavily from the earlier Gospel of Mark and other sources, creating a rich narrative that not only tells the story of Jesus but also addresses the needs of a Jewish audience.

In Matthew's Gospel, one of the most notable features is the substantial number of Old Testament quotations. This reflects a strong effort to connect the life of Jesus to Hebrew prophecies, demonstrating how he fulfills the expectations of the Jewish faith. Did you know that Matthew is the only Gospel that includes the famous Sermon on the Mount, which features the Beatitudes? It’s a treasure trove of moral teachings that influence not just Christian ethics but have also crossed into the broader world culture.

Another fun fact: Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes the role of the church more than any other Gospel, hinting at the community dynamics of early followers of Jesus. This could suggest that the early believers were still contextualizing Jesus' life and teachings within their beliefs and struggles as a community. It all goes back to a larger picture that Jesus' teachings were meant to inspire and strengthen communal bonds, showing the timeless value of connection, compassion, and understanding.