From an evangelical Christian perspective, the Gospel of Matthew, which includes Matthew 2:4-6, is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Here are some key points about the authorship and importance of this Gospel:
1. **Matthew the Apostle**: Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before his call to follow Jesus. As an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, his perspective is seen as valuable and authoritative.
2. **Historical Context**: The Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written in the latter part of the first century, possibly between 70 and 90 AD. It addresses a primarily Jewish audience and emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
3. **Matthew 2:4-6**: In this passage, when King Herod inquires about the birthplace of the Messiah, the chief priests and teachers of the law reference:
– **Micah 5:2**, which prophesies that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
– This connection reinforces the identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah and highlights Matthew’s intent to show Jesus’ life as a fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.
4. **Purpose of the Gospel**: Matthew’s Gospel is often seen as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. It emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and prophets, proving that He is the awaited Messiah. The structure of the Gospel, with its five major discourses, offers a teaching framework that mirrors the Torah.
5. **Evangelical Importance**: Evangelicals highly value the historical reliability of the Gospels and the theological implications of Jesus’ life and ministry presented in them. Matthew is crucial for understanding the person and work of Jesus, particularly in relation to Jewish audiences and themes.
In conclusion, from an evangelical perspective, the Apostle Matthew is viewed as the author of the second Gospel, with Matthew 2:4-6 serving as a vital connecting point between the prophetic traditions of the Old Testament and their realization in Jesus Christ.