Matthew's Influence On The Bible

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The Bible as many know it has been through multiple different iterations and edits both through the telling of the book and in our history through King’s. While they all played a major role one way or another a former tax collector who becomes a disciple of Jesus by the name of Matthew was one of the few that changed parts of the bible as he saw fit. Matthew has been said to follow Mark’s Gospel but often changed the meaning or the arrangements of passages to fit his own agenda. Matthew’s version of the Mark Gospel was created for various reasons not only to present his own version of the story. Matthew decided to significantly shorten the stories of Jesus’s miracles making it seem as if the disciples had more faith within Jesus. Matthew …show more content…

Matthew yet again changes this verse specifically to prove yet again they already had faith in Christ and believed he was the son of God all along. After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And, he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him… When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. (Barton). While it is more subtle it proves that Matthew had the intent to change the words from Mark 9:2 specifically in his favor only adhering to his own agenda. In Mark 9:2 the verse is actually very similar but leaves more to be desired as the disciples such as Peter, James, and John are all still very scared and confused of the lord. “After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And, he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus… He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. “Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.