Matthew, surnamed Levi, before his conversion was a
publican, or tax-gatherer under the Romans at Capernaum. He is generally allowed
to have written his Gospel before any other of the evangelists. The contents of
this Gospel, and the evidence of ancient writers, show that it was written
primarily for the use of the Jewish nation. The fulfilment of prophecy was
regarded by the Jews as strong evidence, therefore this is especially dwelt upon
by St. Matthew. Here are particularly selected such parts of our Saviour's
history and discourses as were best suited to awaken the Jewish nation to a
sense of their sins; to remove their erroneous expectations of an earthly
kingdom; to abate their pride and self-conceit; to teach them the spiritual
nature and extent of the gospel; and to prepare them for the admission of the
Gentiles into the church.
