Bible Overview: Matthew

Author: Matthew?

Early Church ascribed it to Matthew, all earliest manuscripts say “according to Matthew”

Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector. Tax collectors were hated by the Jews because of their collaboration with the Romans, and they were regarded as thieves.

Matthew 9:9 ESV

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Mark 2:14 ESV

14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Date: 50 - 70 A.D.

(Ano Domini, “Year of our Lord”)

The Gospel of Matthew is placed first in the NT, possible because of its close connection with the OT and how it shows the fulfillment of many OT promises.

Structure and Design

Matthew is the most carefully structured gospel, and it is clear that Matthew is a skilled writer.

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God, who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and inaugurates the kingdom of heaven. It emphasizes the teachings and ministry of Jesus, his authority as the new Moses, and his ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of his people.

“The Gospel of Matthew is structured in a way that emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah. The book begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, highlighting his connection to the covenant promises of God. It then recounts the birth of Jesus, his visit from the wise men, and his escape to Egypt to avoid Herod's plan to kill him.

The narrative then shifts to Jesus' adulthood, where he is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Following his baptism, Jesus embarks on his public ministry, teaching and preaching throughout Galilee and Judea. He delivers the famous Sermon on the Mount, which contains the Beatitudes and teachings on various aspects of Christian life, ethics, and spirituality.

Throughout the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus as a teacher and a miracle worker. He records numerous miracles performed by Jesus, including healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, and raising the dead. These miracles serve to demonstrate Jesus' divine power and authority.

Matthew also emphasizes Jesus' role as the new Moses, presenting him as the giver of a new law and the ultimate interpreter of the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus often quotes from the Old Testament, providing teachings and insights that go beyond the mere letter of the law. The Gospel of Matthew frequently uses the phrase "the kingdom of heaven" to describe Jesus' teachings and the nature of God's rule.

The middle section of the Gospel focuses on Jesus' interactions with his disciples and the training he provides them. Jesus commissions the twelve apostles to carry on his ministry, giving them authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the good news of the kingdom. He also teaches them through parables, which are symbolic stories that convey spiritual truths.

As Jesus' ministry progresses, he faces increasing opposition from religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees and the scribes. They challenge him on various issues, seeking to discredit him and undermine his authority. Jesus engages in debates and confrontations with them, often exposing their hypocrisy and teaching the true intent of God's law.

In the latter part of the Gospel, Matthew focuses on Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where he will ultimately face his crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly on Palm Sunday, but soon clashes with the religious leaders who plot to have him arrested. He shares the Last Supper with his disciples, institutes the sacrament of communion, and predicts his betrayal by Judas Iscariot.

Jesus is arrested, put on trial, and crucified under the orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. After his death, Jesus is buried in a tomb, but on the third day, he rises from the dead, triumphing over sin and death. The Gospel of Matthew concludes with Jesus appearing to his disciples, commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations and promising to be with them always, even to the end of the age.”

Key verses

Matthew 1:21-23

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us).

This verse highlights the theme of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and his identity as Immanuel, God in human form.

Matthew 4:17

English Standard Version Chapter 4

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

This verse captures the central theme of Jesus' ministry and teaching, which is the announcement and invitation to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-12

English Standard Version Chapter 5

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

This section, known as the Beatitudes, presents the values and virtues of the kingdom of heaven. It highlights themes such as humility, righteousness, mercy, and the promise of eternal rewards.

Matthew 11:28-30

English Standard Version Chapter 11

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This verse expresses the theme of finding rest and salvation in Jesus, emphasizing his invitation to all who are burdened by sin and seeking true peace.

Matthew 16:13-18: The Great Confession

English Standard Version Chapter 16

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 22:37-40: The Great Commandment

English Standard Version Chapter 22

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

This verse encapsulates the theme of love for God and love for others, presenting it as the essence of the commandments and the way to live in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 26:28: Institution of the Lord’s Supper, New Covenant

English Standard Version Chapter 26

28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

This verse highlights the theme of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, emphasizing the forgiveness of sins through his shed blood.

Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission

English Standard Version Chapter 28

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This verse asserts the theme of Jesus' supreme authority as the resurrected Lord, underscoring his sovereignty over all things. It also expresses the purpose of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations, emphasizing the ongoing presence and authority of Jesus.

These verses offer glimpses into the overarching purposes and themes of the Gospel of Matthew, which include the fulfillment of prophecies, the announcement of the kingdom of heaven, the identity of Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, the call to repentance and discipleship, the importance of love, the sacrificial death

Practical applications:

The Gospel of Matthew contains various practical applications that can be implemented in everyday life. Here are some key takeaways from the summary and verses provided:

Embrace Jesus as the Messiah

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament; all of God’s promises find their fulfillment in him in his person and work. He has brought salvation history to a climax and has become our Savior through his sacrificial death on the cross.

Seek God’s Kingdom

Prioritize spiritual values and align your life with the principles of God's kingdom. Live with righteousness, humility, mercy, and a hunger for justice. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Obey the Great Commission by making disciples who seek God’s Kingdom.