Matthew 24:35 is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew, which states: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Evangelical Christians traditionally attribute the Gospel of Matthew to the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.

**Background of the Apostle Matthew:**
– **Occupation**: Matthew was a tax collector before following Jesus. This profession was often viewed negatively in Jewish society because tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman Empire and were known for corrupt practices.
– **Call to Discipleship**: His call to discipleship is detailed in Matthew 9:9, where Jesus invites him to follow Him, which Matthew promptly does.
– **Role in the Early Church**: Matthew is traditionally believed to have been one of the first evangelists and played a significant role in the spread of the message of Jesus both during and after Christ’s earthly ministry.

**Authorship of the Gospel**:
– **Eyewitness Account**: Evangelicals hold that Matthew’s Gospel is an eyewitness account of Jesus’ life and teachings. This perspective emphasizes the belief that Matthew, having been a disciple, recorded the teachings and events surrounding Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from a firsthand perspective.
– **Audience and Purpose**: The Gospel of Matthew is often considered to be written primarily for a Jewish audience. It includes numerous references to Old Testament prophecies to substantiate Jesus as the promised Messiah. Evangelicals highlight Matthew’s focus on Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and eschatological teachings, like those in chapter 24.

**Theological Emphasis**:
– **Authority of Jesus’ Words**: In Matthew 24:35, the statement reflects the authority of Jesus, affirming that while the physical world may change and ultimately pass away, His teachings are eternal. This verse is often referenced in evangelical circles to reinforce the reliability and permanence of Scripture.
– **Eschatological Context**: Matthew 24 contains Jesus’ discourse on the end times and the signs preceding His return, framing the verse as a guarantee of hope and assurance to believers regarding the fulfillment of God’s promises.

In summary, from an evangelical perspective, the Gospel of Matthew, including Matthew 24:35, is attributed to the apostle Matthew. His background and role as a disciple provide a foundation for understanding the authority of Jesus’ teachings and their lasting impact on believers.