Matthew was one of Jesus' apostles
Matthew was a Jewish tax collector when Jesus called him. Tax collectors worked within Rome's system and were often despised by their neighbours, so Jesus' invitation was a striking act of grace. Matthew left his tax booth and became a follower of Jesus (Matthew 9:9).
The Gospel writers also place Matthew among the twelve apostles. In the list found in Matthew's own Gospel, he is specifically called "Matthew the publican", meaning a tax collector (Matthew 10:3). His life is a quiet reminder that Jesus called ordinary, compromised, and unlikely people into his work.
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Did the book name its writer?
No. Like the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John, Matthew's Gospel does not pause to introduce its author by name. The book tells the story of Jesus rather than drawing attention to the person who recorded it. Its opening begins with Jesus' family line and his identity as the promised Messiah, the son of David and son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1).
Still, from the earliest centuries of the church, Christians have commonly received this Gospel as the work of the apostle Matthew. That traditional title fits the Matthew Scripture introduces, a disciple who knew Jesus' ministry firsthand. It is wise to hold both points together: the book itself is anonymous, while the longstanding Christian tradition identifies Matthew as its author.
Why Matthew's perspective matters
Matthew writes with particular care for readers who knew Israel's Scriptures. He repeatedly connects Jesus' life with God's promises, beginning with Jesus' royal family line (Matthew 1:1). He presents Jesus not merely as a teacher, but as the King whose coming fulfils God's purposes.
The final scene makes the Gospel's purpose especially clear. The risen Jesus sends his disciples to make disciples among all nations, teaching them to obey what he commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Whether a reader is new to faith or has read the Bible for years, Matthew directs attention beyond the writer to Jesus himself.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Read it with the main question in view
Knowing that Matthew was traditionally understood to be an apostle and former tax collector can help set the scene. But the bigger question Matthew presses is not simply, "Who wrote this?" It is, "Who is Jesus?"
As you read, notice how Jesus calls people, teaches about God's kingdom, and meets those others dismiss. Start with Matthew 1, then watch for the moments when people recognise his authority. The Gospel invites you to consider his claim on your own life too.