Which date range best describes the composition of the Gospel of Matthew?

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Multiple Choice

Which date range best describes the composition of the Gospel of Matthew?

Explanation:
Dating Matthew hinges on its relationship to Mark and its historical setting. The gospel likely expands on Mark, so it must be written after Mark, which places it in the late 60s or 70s CE. It also contains awareness of events surrounding the Jewish War and the temple’s destruction, which Christians would be addressing after 70 CE. Dates in the 50s or 30s would be too early to allow for Markan dependence and the post-70 context, while a date in the 90s stretches the timeline beyond what early church usage and literary development suggest. Putting these clues together, the 70s best fits the evidence and the intended audience of Matthew.

Dating Matthew hinges on its relationship to Mark and its historical setting. The gospel likely expands on Mark, so it must be written after Mark, which places it in the late 60s or 70s CE. It also contains awareness of events surrounding the Jewish War and the temple’s destruction, which Christians would be addressing after 70 CE. Dates in the 50s or 30s would be too early to allow for Markan dependence and the post-70 context, while a date in the 90s stretches the timeline beyond what early church usage and literary development suggest. Putting these clues together, the 70s best fits the evidence and the intended audience of Matthew.

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