The Book of Matthew

The Gospel According to Matthew

The book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament.

In nearly every known manuscript of the Gospels, Matthew is placed first.

Manuscript - A hand-written document that has been re-written over time before the invention of printing.

Gospel - The message of Christ, the kingdom of God and salvation.

Who is Matthew? Matthew was one of the twelve apostles that Jesus appointed. ( Read Matthew 9:9)

Matthew 9:9 NIV

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

Matthew is traditionally the author of the gospel that holds his name.

There are 68 references to the Old Testament of Matthew, and 23 times Jesus fulfills a prophesy.

The book starts with the genealogy which is important because it shows Gods promise to Abraham was fulfilled.

God promised Abraham that the whole world would be blessed through him.

Genesis 17:4–5 NIV

“As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.

Genesis 12:3 NIV

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

In the book of Matthew he shows how Jesus is the continuation and fulfilment of the whole biblical story about God in Israel:

That Jesus is:

The Messiah from the line of David

The New Authoritative teacher like Moses

Immanuel, which is God with us in Hebrew