The answer is: Matthew

Some scholars think it was an unknown author, using the gospel of Mark and other sources as a basis for the gospel of Matthew.

When we think about the Gospel of Matthew, it’s not just a sacred text but also a fascinating window into early Christian thought. Traditionally, it's ascribed to Matthew, a former tax collector who became one of Jesus' disciples. Imagine this: a man in a position often viewed with disdain, transforming into a key figure in spreading Jesus’ teachings!

However, many modern scholars suggest that an unknown writer or group of early believers penned it, leaning heavily on the earlier Gospel of Mark. Why? Matthew’s version has a more organized structure filled with teaching sections and narratives that align with his audience’s needs, particularly the Jewish community.

What stands out in Matthew is the stunning lineage of Jesus presented at the beginning. While other gospels skip over this, Matthew traces Jesus’ ancestry back to Abraham, cementing his Jewish roots and fulfilling the Hebrew Scriptures. Plus, the parallels between Moses and Jesus in Matthew highlight significant themes—like Jesus giving a new law from the mountain (the Sermon on the Mount) as Moses did.

A quick trivia nugget: Matthew is the only Gospel that uses the term "Church," illustrating its early importance in Christian community life. Isn’t it intriguing how this document, thought by some to bear a personal touch of one of Jesus' followers, also may reflect a collaborative community of believers? It makes you wonder how these voices shaped the teachings we see today.