As in most books of the Bible, the name of the author is not mentioned in Matthew's gospel. But right from the beginning the Christian tradition confirms that the apostle Matthew is the author of this gospel. The heading of the first book of the New Testament is in most manuscripts "Gospel according to Matthew". There is only one good news of the great work that God had accomplished by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, but in His wisdom it needed four different men to make this news of salvation known to the world in written form.
Matthew was by occupation a publican, or tax-gatherer, and was in his employ when Christ called him by his grace. He was one of the twelve Apostles sent forth by Christ to preach the Gospel of the kingdom (Mat 10:3). Though he was employed in collecting the Roman tax, yet he was of Jewish extract; as appears from his being called the son of Alphaeus (Mk 2:14) and from his name Matthew Levi.
The name of the author, Matthew, is listed in all lists of apostles at the seventh or eighth place (Mat 10:2-4, Mk 3:16-19, Lk 6:13-16, Acts 1:13). All three synoptic gospels - so called because of their similarity - tell us about his calling (Mat 9:9, Mk 2:13, Lk 5:27). While on this occasion Luke calls him "Levi, the tax-gatherer" and Mark "Levi, the son of Alphaeus", he is called "Matthew" only in Matthew.
The name Matthai or Matthew (מתאי) signifies a "gift" or "given"; he was one of those the Father had given to Christ, and was kept by him, when the son of perdition was lost (Jn 17:6).
The gospel does not contain any details about its exact time of writing, therefore the opinions in regard to that vary considerably. While some researchers believe the gospel was written after the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD), others think that there are no facts supporting this, and they date it as 60-70 AD. The church father Irenaeus (ca 140-202 AD) hints on the gospel of Matthew having been written around 61-66 AD.
I. The Introduction of the King (1:1-4:11)
II. Service of the King in Galilee (4:12-12:50)
III. Service of the Rejected King (13:1-20:34)
IV. Service of the King in Jerusalem (21:1-46)
V. King's Service Completed (26:1-28:20)
I. The Introduction of the King (1:1-4:11)
A. Genealogy and birth of Christ (1)
B. Worship of the magi and hatred of Herod
(2)
C. The baptism of Christ in Jordan (3)
D. The temptation of Christ (4:1-11)
II. Service of the King in Galilee (4:12-12:50)
A. Calling of the Disciples (4:12-25)
B. The Sermon on the Mount (5)
C. Seeking of the kingdom of God (6)
D. The narrow path (7)
E. Jesus' power over sickness and Satan
(8)
F. Calling of Matthew; More Acts of Power
(9)
G. The sending forth of the twelve apostles
(10)
H. The rejection of Christ by the people
(11)
I. The rejection of Christ by the rulers
(12)
III. Service of the Rejected King (13:1-20:34)
A. Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven (13)
B. Baptist's Death, 5k fed, water walking
(14)
C. Pharisees, Canaanitish Woman, 4k Fed
(15)
D. Assembly; Christ's Sufferings (16)
E. Transfiguration and Christ's Sufferings
(17)
F. Behaviour in the Kingdom and Assembly
(18)
G. About divorce; the rich young ruler
(19)
H. Vineyard; Christ's Sufferings; Sons of
Zebedee (20)
IV. Service of the King in Jerusalem (21:1-46)
A. Jerusalem Entry; Husbandmen Parable
(21)
B. Marriage Parable; Pharisees, Sadducees
(22)
C. Seven Woes on Scribes and Pharisees
(23)
D. The end times: Israel and its remnant
(24)
E. Christendom and the nations (25)
V. King's Service Completed (26:1-28:20)
A. The Passover and Arrest of Jesus (26)
B. Condemnation, Crucifixion and Burial
(27)
C. Resurrection; Commission to disciples
(28)