Matthew 5:11-12 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is a foundational teaching of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The verses read:

**Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV):**
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

From an evangelical Christian perspective, the most likely author of the Gospel of Matthew is traditionally believed to be Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi. This belief is based on early church tradition and historical sources such as the writings of church fathers like Papias and Irenaeus.

### Background on Matthew:
– **Identity**: Matthew was one of the twelve apostles called by Jesus. He worked as a tax collector before following Jesus, which is significant because tax collectors were often despised in Jewish society.
– **Audience**: Matthew’s Gospel is thought to be written primarily for a Jewish audience, aiming to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This is reflected in various citations of the Hebrew Scriptures throughout the Gospel.
– **Focus on Teachings**: The Sermon on the Mount, including Matthew 5:11-12, emphasizes the ethical teachings of Jesus, encouraging believers to respond to persecution with joy and a positive spirit. This aligns with the broader evangelical emphasis on living out one’s faith in a way that reflects Christ’s character.

### Significance of Matthew 5:11-12:
– **Persecution and Reward**: These verses highlight a key theme in Christian teaching: that suffering for the sake of righteousness and for bearing witness to Christ is not only acknowledged by God but is also rewarded. It serves as encouragement to believers facing trials and opposition.
– **Connection to Prophets**: By linking the suffering of believers to the experiences of the prophets, Matthew reinforces the continuity of God’s message throughout history and encourages the followers of Christ to see their struggles as part of a larger spiritual legacy.

In summary, from an evangelical perspective, Matthew 5:11-12 is a source of encouragement for believers experiencing persecution, and its author, Matthew, plays a crucial role in presenting the teachings of Jesus in a way that connects with his Jewish roots and speaks to the challenges of early Christian life.