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Matthew: An Introduction
The Book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament of the Bible, and the first of the Four Gospels. It has always occupied a position of highest esteem in the faith and life of the Christian Church. This, in part, may be due to the fact that it heads the four gospels and is the first book of the NT, forming a bridge between the Old and New Covenants; but on the contrary, it would seem that the Early Church placed it in first position in the NT Canon, precisely because of the profound influence of its contents on the Church and the world; so much so, that many have termed it the greatest book ever written.
William Barclay writes, “When we turn to Matthew, we turn to the book which may well be called the most important single document of the Christian faith, for in it we have the fullest and the most systematic account of the life and the teachings of Jesus”. The writings of the Early Church Fathers reveal that it was the most frequently quoted and perhaps the most widely read gospel during the first two centuries of the church’s history. In particular, it is the most complete record of the life, works and words of Jesus Christ in existence. After the Lord’s death and resurrection, there was much interest in knowing who Jesus really was and what He said and did. In fact, many believe the gospel was written to fulfill this need.
Author and Purpose
From the earliest times the ancient Church has been clear, consistent and unanimous in attributing the first gospel to the Apostle Matthew. During those days there was no evidence at all that any other author ever claimed to have written the book, nor was it ever attributed to anyone except Matthew.
Matthew intends to prove to the Jews that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah. More than any other gospel, Matthew quotes the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled the words of the Jewish prophets. Matthew describes in detail the lineage of Jesus from David, and uses many forms of speech that Jews would have been comfortable with. Matthew’s love and concern for his people is apparent through his meticulous approach to telling the gospel story.
Structure and Outline
An examination of the outline and structure of the gospel of Matthew reveals that it has been both orderly and artistically arranged. Although he has certain theological and didactic aims, Matthew employs the same general historical and chronological framework as Mark and Luke, esp. Mark. Yet he marshals his material in a topical rather than an exact day-by-day record. In the first gospel we do not look for an exact chronology of events, but the events of the Lord’s life written in such an order so as to teach certain lessons. Matthew was an evangelist rather than a historian.
In a nutshell, the Book of Matthew has 28 chapters that include the following: the ancestry and the birth of Jesus, escape to Egypt, Herod's order to kill the children, the return from Egypt; the preaching and message of John the Baptist; the baptism and temptation of Jesus by the Devil; Jesus begins work in Galilee; Jesus goes from Galilee to Jerusalem – Jesus chooses his 12 disciples and instructs them what to do, Jesus teaches and preaches through stories and parables, Jesus heals, and Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount; the last week of Jesus – the last supper, his trial and death; and the resurrection of Jesus from his death, that he is alive.
Context For Understanding
Because Matthew’s purpose is to present Jesus Christ as the King and Messiah of Israel, he quotes from the Old Testament more than any of the other three gospel writers. Matthew quotes more than 60 times from prophetic passages of the Old Testament, demonstrating how Jesus is fulfilled them. He begins his gospel with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing Him back to Abraham, the progenitor of the Jews. From there, Matthew quotes extensively from the prophets, frequently using the phrase “as was spoken through the prophet(s)”
Key Verses To Remember
Matthew 5:17 (NIV)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Matthew 5:43–44 (NIV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Matthew 16:26 (NIV)
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two.”
Matthew 27:31 (NIV)
“After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”
Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV)
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Practical Application
The Gospel of Matthew is an excellent introduction to the core teachings of Christianity. The logical outline style makes it easy to locate discussions of various topics. Matthew is especially useful for understanding how the life of Christ was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.
May God Bless You as You Read His Word,
Lance Muller
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