Understanding the Original Language of the Gospel of Matthew: Debunking Misconceptions

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

When discussing the Gospel of Matthew, some argue that the original version was written in Hebrew or Aramaic, while others are skeptical of this claim. This essay aims to explore the historical context and evidence surrounding the original language of Matthew. Let's debunk some misconceptions and shine a light on the historical facts.

The New Testament and Its Authors

According to some traditional beliefs, the authors of the 'gospels' (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are not their namesakes and were added later to provide credibility. For instance, Bishop Irenaeus mentioned that the texts of MMLJ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) were originally anonymous, and the authorship attributed to these writers was added much later. This claim has driven many people away from Christianity, including myself, as these stories often seem incredible and outdated.

We live in a time where cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements are making headlines. For example, the James Webb Space Telescope is providing us with stunning images of galaxies previously unknown to us, while scientists are making breakthroughs in nuclear fusion. These advancements challenge the narratives found in ancient religious texts, making it hard to believe in the supernatural elements such as the resurrection or the zombie-like accounts in the Bible.

Writers like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, have been grouped together with fictional characters like the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, and ghosts, suggesting that their stories are merely belief systems constructed in a past that no longer aligns with our 21st-century understanding of the world.

Historical Context and the Language of Matthew's Gospel

There is a common belief that the Gospel of Matthew was originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic, but this misconception arises from a statement made by Papias, as recorded by Eusebius. Papias stated that Matthew composed the sayings [logia] of Jesus, and each person interpreted them as best he could. This statement has led many to believe that the entire gospel was simply a collection of sayings.

However, it's crucial to understand that Papias' statement refers to a collection of sayings, not the entire gospel. The discovery of the Gospel of Thomas and the possibility that both Matthew and Luke shared a common sayings source (the "double tradition") support this interpretation. It would be odd to suggest that each person interpreted the entire gospel differently, as that would mean the gospel was remarkably unclear or confusing. Instead, Papias' statement likely refers to a collection of sayings that could be interpreted in various ways, given the often enigmatic and paradoxical nature of some of Jesus' sayings as found in Thomas.

Conclusion: A Critical Analysis

While the original language of the Gospel of Matthew remains a topic of historical debate, the evidence points towards it being a collection of sayings (logia). Disregarding this, many modern adherents view the New Testament as nothing more than outdated stories that do not align with our current understanding of the world. The use of advanced technologies and scientific achievements in fields like space exploration and energy production further highlight the incongruity between these ancient narratives and our modern world.

Therefore, the true understanding of the Gospel of Matthew lies not in its original language, but in recognizing it as a collection of sayings that were interpreted differently by various authors and followers. This interpretation aligns more closely with the historical and literary context from which the gospels emerged, and it helps us to appreciate the diverse ways in which the sayings of Jesus were understood and shared.