New TestamentGospels

Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Jewish Messiah, the King of Israel who fulfills Old Testament prophecy. Written by the apostle Matthew (a former tax collector), this Gospel contains over 60 Old Testament references and emphasizes Jesus's teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount.

28Chapters

Matthew the Apostle (also called Levi)Author

AD 50-70Written

Overview

The Gospel of Matthew stands as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Jewish messianic expectation. Ellicott's Commentary observes that "the opening words of the Gospel show that it is written by a Jew for Jewish readers." Matthew Henry explains that the genealogy's function is to prove "that our Lord Jesus is of the nation and family out of which the Messiah was to arise." Jamieson-Fausset-Brown notes that this Gospel "of all the four...bears the most evident marks of having been prepared with a special view to the Jews." The book's systematic arrangement of Jesus's teachings into five major discourses reflects Matthew's background as a tax collector skilled in record-keeping, making it invaluable for understanding Jesus's ethical teachings and kingdom principles (BibleHub Commentaries).

Authorship

Traditional

Matthew the Apostle (also called Levi)

Barnes identifies Matthew as "a publican or tax gatherer, residing at Capernaum," also known as Levi. Gill confirms this was "Matthew the publican and apostle," establishing the gospel's apostolic authority from antiquity. Matthew's background as a tax collector would have equipped him with shorthand writing skills, enabling precise recording of Christ's words. The Benson Commentary notes that Matthew was well-suited to write a Jewish Gospel given his intimate knowledge of Jewish customs and messianic expectations (BibleHub Commentaries).

Date Written

AD 50-70

The Gospel was composed in the early church period when most Christians were Jewish converts. The dating is informed by the book's heavy reliance on Old Testament prophecy and its assumption that readers are familiar with Jewish customs and expectations. Some scholars argue for a pre-AD 70 date based on the absence of explicit reference to Jerusalem's destruction, while others suggest the prophecies in Matthew 24 reflect knowledge of the event (GotQuestions.org).

Purpose & Audience

Original Audience

Matthew wrote primarily for Jewish Christians and Jews considering faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The Gospel assumes familiarity with Jewish customs, includes extensive Old Testament quotations, and presents Jesus as fulfilling specific prophecies the Jewish audience would recognize. Matthew Henry notes that Jesus is presented as "the son of David, the son of Abraham," connecting him to the two foundational covenants of Jewish identity (BibleHub Commentaries).

Purpose

Matthew's primary purpose was to demonstrate that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament messianic prophecies, presenting Him as "the King and Messiah of Israel." The Gospel addresses skeptical Jewish religious leaders while encouraging Jewish believers that their faith in Jesus is the true continuation of their ancestral faith. The Benson Commentary clarifies that Christ "was to spring from Abraham and David" as direct fulfillment of the promises that defined Jewish messianic expectations (BibleHub Commentaries).

Major Themes

Jesus as Messianic King

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Davidic King, beginning with his royal genealogy and culminating in his enthronement declaration: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (28:18). The phrase "kingdom of heaven" appears over 30 times, emphasizing Jesus's royal authority (GotQuestions.org).

Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy

With over 60 Old Testament citations and the repeated formula "that it might be fulfilled," Matthew demonstrates systematic fulfillment of Jewish Scripture. Ellicott notes this Gospel "bears the most evident marks of having been prepared with a special view to the Jews" through its prophetic connections (BibleHub Commentaries).

The New Israel and the Church

Matthew uniquely records Jesus's teaching about the church (ekklesia) in 16:18 and 18:17, presenting Jesus's followers as the continuation and fulfillment of Israel's calling. The Gospel traces the transition from the old covenant community to the new (GotQuestions.org).

Ethical Teaching and Discipleship

The five major discourses (chapters 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 23-25) present comprehensive ethical instruction, with the Sermon on the Mount as the pinnacle of Jesus's moral teaching. These organized teachings reflect Matthew's systematic approach to presenting Kingdom ethics (GotQuestions.org).

Book Outline

Birth and Preparation

Ch. 1-4

Genealogy, birth narrative, baptism, and temptation establishing Jesus's identity and mission.

Sermon on the Mount

Ch. 5-7

Jesus's foundational ethical teaching on Kingdom living, including the Beatitudes and Lord's Prayer.

Ministry and Miracles

Ch. 8-9

Ten miracles demonstrating Jesus's authority over disease, nature, demons, and death.

Mission Discourse

Ch. 10

Instructions to the twelve apostles for their preaching mission.

Opposition and Parables

Ch. 11-13

Growing conflict with religious leaders and the parables of the Kingdom.

Church Teaching

Ch. 14-18

Peter's confession, Transfiguration, and instructions on community life.

Journey to Jerusalem

Ch. 19-20

Final journey teachings on marriage, wealth, and servant leadership.

Passion Week

Ch. 21-27

Triumphal entry, temple controversies, Olivet Discourse, arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

Resurrection and Commission

Ch. 28

The empty tomb, appearances, and the Great Commission to all nations.

Key Verses

Matthew 1:1

"This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:"

The Gospel's opening verse establishes Jesus's royal (Davidic) and covenantal (Abrahamic) credentials. Matthew Henry explains this proves "that our Lord Jesus is of the nation and family out of which the Messiah was to arise" (BibleHub Commentaries).

Matthew 5:17

"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."

This verse articulates Matthew's central thesis: Jesus fulfills rather than negates the Old Testament. It frames all of Jesus's ethical teaching as the true interpretation and completion of Torah (GotQuestions.org).

Matthew 16:16

"Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.""

Peter's confession represents the theological climax of the Gospel's first half, explicitly identifying Jesus as both Messiah (Christ) and divine Son. This confession becomes the foundation upon which Jesus promises to build His church (GotQuestions.org).

Matthew 28:19-20

"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."

The Great Commission concludes Matthew's Gospel by extending the scope of Jesus's messianic mission from Israel to all nations, while maintaining continuity with His teachings throughout the Gospel (GotQuestions.org).

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