Matthew 22:37-39 is a passage from the New Testament in which Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment in the Law. It reads:

> “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (NIV)

From an evangelical Christian perspective, the Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Here are some key points about Matthew in this context:

1. **Background**: Matthew was a tax collector before following Jesus (Matthew 9:9). His background as a tax collector is significant as it highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ call and the inclusive nature of his ministry.

2. **Audience**: Matthew’s Gospel is often seen as being written primarily for a Jewish audience. This is reflected in the way he emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the rightful place of Jesus as the Messiah.

3. **Themes**: Evangelical interpretations often highlight Matthew’s focus on Jesus’ teachings, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the call to discipleship. The command to love God and neighbor, encapsulated in the verses of Matthew 22:37-39, highlights the centrality of love in Jesus’ message.

4. **Authority**: As an apostle, Matthew would have been regarded as having authority in the early church, giving weight to his Gospel account and his teachings.

5. **Evangelical Application**: For many evangelicals, these verses encapsulate the essence of Christian ethics and moral living. The call to love God and others is foundational to their understanding of how to live in accordance with Christ’s teachings.

Many scholars, including those from evangelical backgrounds, support Matthew’s authorship based on early church tradition, though debate exists regarding the exact dating and context of the writing. Overall, Matthew 22:37-39 serves as a pivotal teaching that reflects the heart of Jesus’ message and the foundational principle of love that undergirds Christian practice and belief.