often referred to as The Way or The Nazarene sect (Acts 24:5). This group eventually became known as the early Christian church.
The Church Matthew Helped Build
Jerusalem Church (circa 30 AD):
Matthew, along with the other apostles, was present at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out (Acts 2). This moment is often considered the birth of the early church. The Jerusalem church was initially composed entirely of Jewish believers who followed Yeshua while keeping the Torah.
The Nazarene Sect:
Matthew’s Gospel was written primarily for Jewish believers, emphasizing Yeshua as the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. The early church in Jerusalem, led by James (Yeshua’s brother), is often identified with the Nazarenes, who maintained their Jewish identity while believing in Yeshua as the Messiah.
Where Did Matthew Go?
Early historical sources suggest that after the initial years in Jerusalem, Matthew traveled to spread the Gospel:
Ethiopia and Parthia: Church tradition holds that Matthew preached in Ethiopia and possibly in Parthia (modern-day Iran).
Martyrdom: Tradition indicates he was martyred while spreading the Gospel, though the exact location is debated.
The Gospel of Matthew and the Early Church
His Gospel, possibly originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic, became a key text for Jewish believers in Yeshua.
It provided a bridge for Jews to understand that Yeshua was the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.
So, Did Matthew Start a Church?
Matthew did not start a distinct, separate church. He was part of the foundational leadership of the Jerusalem church—the first congregation of believers in Yeshua—and played a crucial role in spreading the Gospel to other regions. The communities he influenced eventually became part of the global body of Messiah that we now call the church.