Hebrew Gospel of Matthew / The Gospel of the Hebrews

The “Gospel according to the Hebrews” also known as the “Hebrew Gospel of Matthew” is an early Christian text known only through fragments cited by early church fathers. This gospel was said to be used by the Ebionites, the early Jewish Christian followers of Jesus and Jesus’ brother James. One notable fragment, preserved by Epiphanius, suggests a rejection of animal sacrifices:

“I have come to abolish the sacrifices, and if you do not cease from sacrificing, the wrath will not cease from you.”

This passage indicates a stance against the continuation of animal sacrifices, aligning with certain early Christian views that saw Jesus’ mission as fulfilling and thus superseding the old sacrificial system.

Additionally, the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament addresses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices. Hebrews 10:8-9 states:

“First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.”

This passage reflects a theological perspective that Christ’s sacrifice rendered the old system of animal offerings obsolete.

Another version of the “Hebrew Gospel of Matthew” is a medieval Hebrew text preserved by Shem-Tov ben Isaac Ibn Shaprut. Otherwise what we have are fragments of a presumed earlier Hebrew or Aramaic version of the Gospel of Matthew cited by early Church Fathers. Here is a compilation of known fragments and references:

Jerome, who had access to a Hebrew version of Matthew, provided several quotes:

• The Lord’s Prayer: Instead of “Give us this day our daily bread,” it says, “Give us today our bread for tomorrow.”
• On Matthew 18:22: “If your brother sins against you in word, and makes satisfaction, accept him seven times a day.”
• On Matthew 23:35: “My mother, the Holy Spirit, took me by one of my hairs and carried me to the great mountain Tabor.”

Epiphanius of Salamis cited passages from the Gospel of the Hebrews, including:

• Baptism of Jesus: “The Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove and said, ‘My son, in all the prophets I awaited you, that you might come and I might find rest in you. For you are my rest; you are my firstborn son who reigns forever.'”
• Rejection of Sacrifice: “I have come to abolish the sacrifices, and if you do not cease from sacrificing, the wrath will not cease from you.”

Clement provided mystical sayings attributed to Jesus:

• “He who seeks will not rest until he finds; and he who has found will marvel; and he who has marveled will reign; and he who has reigned will rest.”
• “Behold, my mother and my brothers, and whoever does the will of my Father, he is my brother and my sister and my mother.”

Origen referred to a teaching about sin and repentance:

• “If even the saints in this world say, ‘If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves’ (1 John 1:8), how much more does this apply to us!”

Eusebius of Caesarea mentioned passages related to Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to James the Just:

• “Bring a table and bread!” and Jesus broke bread with James.

Shem-Tov’s medieval Hebrew Gospel of Matthew contains various unique readings and differences from the canonical Greek text. For example:

• Matthew 5:22: “And I say to you that anyone who provokes his companion to anger is subject to judgment.”
• Matthew 6:11: The Lord’s Prayer rendered as “Give us today our bread for tomorrow.”

• Jesus’ Teaching on Love: “Never be joyful, except when you look upon your brother with love.” (Jerome)
• The Holy Spirit as Mother: “Even so did my mother, the Holy Spirit, take me by one of my hairs and carry me to the great mountain Tabor.” (Jerome)

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