Matthew vs Luke?

[hello_orange]

I've been reading the Bible lately as part of a summer assignment, specifically the Book of Matthew and Luke (new testament). I din't come from a very religious household so I'm not too familiar with the texts. I know that both Matthew and Luke are different accounts regarding the genealogy and ministry of Jesus. There seems to be a lot of repetition in both accounts (parables, stories, etc) so its a little difficult picking out the differences between the two. What are the significance of the gospels, and what are the major differences between the two books? Also, (this may sound a little stupid) who are Matthew and Luke? Thank you guys for your help!

[JediJohnnie]

Matthew was a tax collector called by Jesus to be one of the 12 Apostles,and an eyewitness to many of the events in Jesus life.Luke was a doctor who was befriended by Paul the Apostle,and wrote his Gospel based on interviews with many eyewitnesses.

The genealogy of Luke reflects Jesus ancestry from Mary his mother,while Matthew's is from the line of Joseph.

There are several differences,for example,Matthew was writing to a Jewish audience,so his account includes several prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.Luke wrote to Greeks,and his Gospel takes several historical events into account.