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Matthew 2:1
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
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Interpretation

Matthew 2:1 shows a wise men that takes shape in speech and habits—listen for "when" and "jesus". Entrust wise men in what we celebrate and refuse—shape generosity without notice.

Context

In Matthew (Gospel Narrative), highlighting wise men. Within ch. 2, a small unit frames the emphasis. Watch the terms “when” and “jesus”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early attribution points to Matthew the disciple (a former tax collector) for Matthew. Introductions to Matthew often note: Anonymous in earliest copies; attributed to Matthew in later tradition; reflects Mark and a sayings source.. Date: AD 80–90. Matthew seems aimed at Jewish‑Christian community.. Kingdom teaching links ethics to identity. Catechetical structure appears in the discourse blocks.

More details
Traditional:Matthew the tax collector
Modern scholarship:Anonymous; attributed to Matthew; uses Mark + Q source.
Date:AD 80–90
Audience:Jewish‑Christian community.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not change the overall sense.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46