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[[Image:Lisdisfarnematthew.jpg|right|thumb|The opening page of the Gospel of Matthew from the eighth-century [[Lindisfarne Gospels]].]]The '''Gospel of Matthew''' (literally, "according to Matthew"; Greek, Κατα Μαθθαίον or Κατα Ματθαίον) is the first [[Gospels|Gospel]] in the [[New Testament]]. Traditionally, it was written by the [[Apostle Matthew]], a former tax-collector who became one of the twelve [[apostles]] who witnessed the earthly ministry, [[crucifixion]], and [[Resurrection]] of our Lord [[Jesus Christ]]. It is considered by some to be the earliest written gospel.
==Authorship and writing of the Gospel==
The Kingdom of Heaven and the Church are closely interconnected in the spiritual experience of Christianity: the Church is the historical embodiment of the Kingdom of Heaven in the world, and the Kingdom of Heaven is the Church of Christ in its eschatological perfection (Mt. 16:18-19; 28:18-20).
==Liturgical use==
In general, the text of the gospel of St Matthew is used most consistently in liturgical worship of the Orthodox Church. This may be because it was the most common gospel in the very early Churches. It contains the version of the beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer that is used in services.
Only this gospel contains the post resurrection order of the Lord to his apostles, "to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (28:19). And it contains the longest and most detailed record of Christ's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (5-7)
==Sources and External links==
