The Gospel of Matthew, most scholars say, was written specifically to the Jews. There are many points that lead to this conclusion. However, if that is the case, why should we read it? I like what Dr Jeff Gibbs (one of my sem profs) states as to who it was written. He sees that it was written to be scripture. This book was written to the Christians in the church, those knowledgeable about the Old Testament, sharing with them the story of Jesus and leading them to fulfill the great commission. The purpose of this book was to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the church of all ages! It does apply to us today.
Until the last century or so, very few people even considered this book to be written by someone other than Matthew the disciple of Jesus. While there is no ‘signature’ of Matthew in the book, or no mention of the author in it, the earliest manuscripts have the inscription ‘according to Matthew’ at the beginning of the book. The early church fathers all agreed that Matthew wrote the book as well. There really is only very scant circumstantial evidence and conjecture used as proof to those who state Matthew was not the author. We can confidently state that Matthew, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, was the author of the first Gospel.
If you have a good study Bible, read the introductory pages to the Gospel of Matthew before we begin with the first reading on Thursday. This reading will help you prepare as we begin our readings of Matthew.