The Gospel of Matthew

We should not forget how low the Lord of glory stooped to save the human race.
- Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

Who is Matthew?
Little is known of him.  Mark (Mark 2:14) and Luke (Luke 5:27) refer to Matthew as Levi, which from what I've read so far makes him a part of the Levi tribe, the priests.  I wonder how did Matthew become a tax collector?  The good thing is a tax collector would, I assume, know how to keep detailed records, write, etc. 

General Info
Author: Matthew or Anonymous
Date Written: Somewhere around 70-100 A.D.
References: Some think Mark and the hypothetical Q document.

Who is his audience and what is his objective?

The fulfillment of prophecy was regarded by the Jews as strong evidence, therefore this is especially dwelt upon by St. Matthew. Here are particularly selected such parts of our Savors history and discourses as were best suited to awaken the Jewish nation to a sense of their sins; to remove their erroneous expectations of an earthly kingdom; to abate their pride and self-conceit; to teach them the spiritual nature and extent of the gospel; and to prepare them Jews and convincing them of Christ and their sin.
- Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

As a gentile I should be just as concerned about these topics.

 

My References:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10057a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Matthew
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc5.toc.html