The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, offering a comprehensive account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As the first book of the New Testament, Matthew holds a unique place in Christian Scripture. It serves as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament by emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
This Gospel gives a detailed account of Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and His role as the Messiah who brings God’s kingdom to earth. Below is a comprehensive overview on the book of Matthew
Authorship of the Book
The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Matthew was also known as Levi, a tax collector, which adds an interesting dimension to his role as a follower of Christ. Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish people, as they were seen as traitors working for the Roman government. Despite this, Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, and he responded immediately, leaving his lucrative position to become one of Jesus’ closest disciples.
The authorship of this Gospel has been a topic of discussion among scholars. Some modern scholars question whether Matthew, the apostle, wrote the book or if it was penned by another follower of Jesus using Matthew’s teachings and oral traditions. However, early church fathers like Papias and Irenaeus consistently attribute the Gospel to the apostle Matthew. The internal evidence in the Gospel, such as the detailed accounts of Jesus’ financial dealings and a focus on Jewish customs, aligns with Matthew’s background as a Jewish tax collector.
It is worth noting that the Gospel of Matthew includes many unique features not found in the other Gospels, such as the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7) and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (25:31-46). These distinctive elements offer insights into the theological perspective and priorities of the author, especially the emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Date of Composition
The dating of the Gospel of Matthew has been debated, with estimates ranging from 50 AD to 100 AD. The majority of scholars, however, agree that it was likely written sometime between 70 AD and 90 AD. One of the primary reasons for this date range is the reference to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in Matthew 24:1-2, which many believe refers to the events of 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple.
The Gospel of Matthew is considered by many scholars to be one of the earlier Gospels, although some argue that Mark’s Gospel may have been written first. The relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels) has been the subject of scholarly inquiry for centuries. Some believe that Matthew used Mark’s Gospel as a source, expanding and elaborating upon it to provide a fuller picture of Jesus’ life and ministry.
Regardless of the exact date of composition, the Gospel of Matthew reflects the early Christian community’s needs and challenges, particularly those of Jewish Christians who were navigating their identity in a world that was both hostile to their faith and deeply influenced by Roman rule. The Gospel’s focus on Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy suggests that it was written at a time when the early church was trying to reconcile the new covenant with the traditions of Judaism.
Location of Composition
While the exact location where the Gospel of Matthew was written is uncertain, many scholars believe it was composed in Antioch, a major city in ancient Syria. Antioch was one of the most significant centers of early Christianity and a hub for missionary activity. It was home to a large Jewish population, which would explain the Gospel’s focus on Jewish customs, prophecies, and laws.
The idea that Matthew wrote his Gospel in Antioch is supported by the strong Jewish-Christian presence in the city. The early Christian community in Antioch was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, making it an ideal setting for a Gospel that seeks to bridge the gap between the Old Testament and the new Christian faith. The church in Antioch was also known for sending missionaries, including Paul and Barnabas, which aligns with the Gospel’s emphasis on evangelism and the spread of the Good News.
Some scholars suggest that other locations, such as Palestine or Alexandria, could also have been the place of composition. However, the cultural and religious dynamics of Antioch make it the most likely candidate. The city’s diverse population and role in early Christian history provide a fitting backdrop for a Gospel that emphasizes Jesus’ universal mission and the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in God’s kingdom.
Purpose and Audience
The Gospel of Matthew was written with a dual purpose: to provide a record of Jesus’ life and teachings and to demonstrate that He is the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. This Gospel is often seen as the most “Jewish” of the four Gospels because it contains numerous references to the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish customs. Matthew frequently uses the phrase “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet” to show that Jesus’ life was in direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The audience for the Gospel of Matthew was primarily Jewish Christians who were living in a time of significant tension. After the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, Jewish Christians faced increasing hostility from their fellow Jews and were struggling to find their place within the broader Roman world. Matthew wrote his Gospel to encourage these believers by showing them that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets and that they were part of a new covenant community.
However, Matthew’s Gospel is not exclusively for Jewish Christians. It also addresses Gentiles and emphasizes the universality of Jesus’ message. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel and its call to reach people from all walks of life. In this way, Matthew’s Gospel serves as a theological bridge, showing that the good news of Jesus is for everyone, not just the Jewish people.
Key Themes in Matthew
Jesus as the Messiah
The central theme of the Gospel of Matthew is the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior of Israel. From the very beginning of the Gospel, Matthew makes it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The genealogy in Matthew 1 traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, and David, the king whose throne was promised an eternal successor. This genealogical connection establishes Jesus’ rightful place as the Messiah in Jewish tradition.
Throughout the Gospel, Matthew emphasizes how Jesus’ actions, words, and miracles fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. For example, the virgin birth in Matthew 1:22-23 fulfills Isaiah 7:14, and Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfills Micah 5:2. Matthew frequently points out these fulfillments to show that Jesus is not only a historical figure but also the one who brings God’s redemptive plan to completion.
The Kingdom of Heaven
Another major theme in the Gospel of Matthew is the Kingdom of Heaven. Unlike the other Gospels, Matthew consistently uses the term “Kingdom of Heaven” rather than “Kingdom of God.” This is likely due to Jewish sensitivities about using the name of God directly. The Kingdom of Heaven is central to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the parables (Matthew 13).
In Matthew, the Kingdom of Heaven is portrayed as both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus inaugurates the Kingdom through His ministry, demonstrating its power through healings, exorcisms, and miracles. At the same time, the full realization of the Kingdom will come when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. The Kingdom is a place where God’s will is done, and it stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world, which are marked by sin, injustice, and oppression.
Jesus as the Teacher
Matthew presents Jesus as the ultimate teacher, who brings God’s wisdom and truth to the people. The Gospel contains five major discourses, or teaching sections, which some scholars believe are meant to parallel the five books of Moses in the Old Testament. These discourses cover a wide range of topics, from ethical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to parables about the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13) and instructions for Christian living (Matthew 18).
One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew is His emphasis on righteousness. Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of living, one that goes beyond mere obedience to the letter of the law. In the Sermon on the Mount, for example, Jesus teaches that anger is equivalent to murder, and lust is equivalent to adultery. He urges His followers to seek a righteousness that comes from the heart, not just outward conformity to rules.
Why Study This Book?
The Gospel of Matthew offers profound insights into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is a foundational text for understanding who Jesus is, what He came to accomplish, and how His life and teachings apply to us today. By studying Matthew, we gain a clearer picture of Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills the promises of the Old Testament and inaugurates God’s Kingdom on earth.
How to Apply the Book in Present Life
Applying the teachings of Matthew to our present life requires us to embrace the call to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. This means prioritizing God’s will in our daily lives, practicing humility, and showing love and mercy to others. The ethical teachings in Matthew, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, challenge us to live counterculturally, seeking God’s righteousness rather than the approval of the world.
Final Thought
The Gospel of Matthew is a profound and rich text that offers believers an in-depth look at the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus Christ. It bridges the gap between the Old Testament and the New, showing how Jesus fulfills the promises of God and inaugurates the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Through its focus on Jesus as the Messiah, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the teachings of righteousness, Matthew challenges Christians to live according to God’s standards, not the world’s.
Studying the Gospel of Matthew equips believers with a deeper understanding of Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and provides practical guidance for living out their faith in a way that honors God. By applying the truths found in this Gospel to our daily lives, we can embody the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven and reflect Christ’s love and righteousness to the world around us.