3. _St. Matthew:_ "Matthew (or Levi; see Mark ii: 14; Luke v: 27, 29) was a publican, or tax-gatherer, called by our Lord from the toll-booth, near the Sea of Galilee, where he was performing his secular duty (Matt. ix: 9-13). The name is derived from the same word as Matthias (Acts i: 23, 26), or Theodore, meaning "gift of God." It was probably adopted as his new Christian name (which Jesus was wont to give his disciples. See Simon Peter-Cephas, etc.). His former avocation was regarded by the Jews with contempt, but gave him an extensive knowledge of human nature and accurate business habits, which tended to fit him for his great work as an evangelist. The topical arrangement of his gospel may be largely due to the influence of his previous occupation. The New Testament is silent in regard to his special labors. Tradition says he was murdered in Ethiopia, while at prayer; but according to the earlier statement of Clement of Alexandria, he died a natural death. The first Gospel is his immortal monument. If he had done nothing else, he must be ranked among the most useful servants of Christ. In this book he still preaches the gospel to all nations. (xxviii: 19.)" (International Commentary, Intro., pp. 15, 16.) 4. _Time of Writing the Book of Matthew:_ "From the Gospel itself it is plain that it was written before the destruction of Jerusalem, but a number of years after the resurrection (xxvii: 7; xxviii: 15). Irenaeus says it was written, 'when Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome,' which was certainly after 61 A. D.; though most of the fathers think it was the first one written. The very early date often assigned (45 A. D.) may be correct if applied to an Aramaic original; but the Greek Gospel, which we have should probably be assigned to a later date, since, on the theory that the Synoptic Gospels are independent of each other, this one could not have preceded by many years the two others. All were probably written between 60 and 64 A. D., and that of St. Matthew may have been written about 60 A. D." (Bible Treasury, p. 124.) 5. _The Language of the Original Text Book of Matthew:_ There is some controversy as to the language in which Matthew first wrote his book. The status of the controversy is well stated in the following quotation: