Matthew (Same is true for Mark, Luke, and John) does not identify its author, and the tradition attributing it to the apostle Matthew is rejected by modern scholars.

The author, writing in high quality Greek, used the Gospel of Mark as a source, plus a written collection of sayings he shared with Luke, as well as other unique sources.

Matthew is a creative rewriting of Mark, stressing Jesus’ teachings as much as his acts, and making subtle changes.

The author was probably a male Jew, familiar with technical legal aspects of scripture being debated in his time.

Timestamps:
2:55 Traditional authorship of the Gospels
3:34 Evidence of Copying
5:45 Evidence that Mark wrote first
12:34 Double Tradition Question

Dr. Andrew Henry is a scholar of late antique Mediterranean religion. Dr Hendry holds a MA and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Boston University. He is a Lecturer and Scolar at George Washington University, where he specializes in early Christianity, the New Testament, and the historical context of biblical texts.