Matthew's selection as the author of the Gospel may initially appear peculiar given his former profession as a tax collector.. In 1st-century Jewish society, tax collectors were generally maligned and mistrusted due to their collaboration with Roman authorities and their often dishonest practices. Matthew's association with this role might not seem fitting for an apostolic writer. If the attribution to Matthew was indeed added later, as some skeptics suggest, it might have made more sense to attribute the Gospel to a disciple with a more esteemed background. This unconventional choice adds a layer of authenticity to the traditional claim, as it is unlikely that early Christians would invent such a figure to author one of their most important texts if they were seeking to enhance its credibility artificially. Matthew's interest in financial matters is evident throughout his Gospel. > [!example] Matthew Likes to Mention Money >- Parables involving money ([Matthew 8:21-35](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.8.21-35); [Matthew 20:1-1](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.20.1-1))) > - Story of Peter finding a coin in a fish's mouth ([Matthew 17:24-27](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.17.24-27)) > - Particular coins: kodrantes, assårion, didrachma, Stater, and - denarion are mentioned thoughout the work ([Matthew 5:26](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.5.26); [Matthew 10:29](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.10.29); [Matthew 17:24](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.17.24),[17:27](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.17.27); [Matthew 18:28](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.18.28); [Matthew 20:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.20.2), [0:9-10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.20.9-10), [20:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.20.13); [Matthew 22:19](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.22.19)) > - Jesus tells his disciples not to bring money ([Matthew 10:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.10.9)) > [!quote] [[Goodspeed1959-rm.|Edgar J. Goodspeed]] > "Certainly if one demands a signature of Matthew the tax collector, this looks very much like it. ... We are struck with several features of the Gospel of Matthew that decidedly favor tax-collector authorship. The selection of Matthew as the author of the Gospel that bears his name is not only peculiar given his controversial profession but also indicative of the Gospel's genuineness. The explicit financial details and narratives within the text echo Matthew's personal history and expertise, supporting the traditional attribution. This unlikely choice reinforces the credibility of the Gospel's authorship and reflects the trans-formative power of the Christian message, which transcends social stigmas and personal histories.