e Author always speaks of himself as "the publican,"
which may indicate his sense of humility, felt in having been exalted
from so low an estate to that of an apostle. He was the son of Alpheus
(Mar. 2:14; Lu. 5:27), and was called Levi until Jesus called him and
gave him the name Matthew, which means "Gift of God." We know nothing
of his work except his call and farewell feast (9:9-10), and that he
was with the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Thus silent and
observant and qualified by former occupation, he could well undertake
the writing of this book. It might be possible that he was chosen by
the others for this great task. We know nothing of his death.
Characteristics and Purpose.

1. It is not a Chronological but a Systematic and Topical Gospel.
There is order in the arrangement of materials so that a definite
result may be produced. Materials are treated in groups, as the
miracles in chapters eight and nine and the parables of chapter
thirteen. There is order and purpose also in the arrangement of these
groups of miracles and parables. The first miracle is the cure of
leprosy, and is a type of sin; while the last one is the withering of
the fig tree, which is a symbol of judgment. The first parable is that
of the seed of the kingdom, which is a symbol of the beginning or
planting of the kingdom; the last is that of the talents and
prophesies the final adjudication at the last day. This same orderly
arrangement is also observed in the two great sections of the book.
The first great section 4:17-16:20, especially sets forth the person
and nature of Jesus, while the second section, 16:20 end, narrates his
great work for others as seen in his death and resurrection.

2. It Is a Didactic or Teaching Gospel. While giving the account of a
number of miracles, the book is marked by several discourses of
considerable length, as The sermon on the Mount, chapters 3-7, the
denunciation of the Pharisees, chapter 23, the prophecy of the
destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world, chapters 24-25, the
address to the apostles, chapter 10; and the doctrines of the
kingdom, 17:24-20:16. These portions and the parables noted above will
indicate how large a portion of the book is taken up in discourses.
The student can make lists of other and shorter sections of teaching.

3. It Is a Gospel of Gloom and Despondency. There are no songs of joy
like those of Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon, Anna and the Angels,
recorded in