Chapters
Overview to the Book of Matthew
This overview uses the S.C.R.I.P.T.U.R.E–G.U.I.D.E Framework to present the book of Matthew. For a more in-depth study, click on each chapter above, and soon, each verse, to explore the F.O.G commentary. If you’re new here, you might be asking, “What is the F.O.G?“
Summary, Structure & Author
The Gospel of Matthew, traditionally attributed to Matthew the tax collector turned apostle, provides a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Written to a primarily Jewish audience, it presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King who fulfills the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures. The book is structured into five major teaching blocks, mirroring the Pentateuch, and interspersed with narratives that showcase Jesus’ ministry and miracles. These teaching sections, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Olivet Discourse, emphasize Jesus’ role as the ultimate teacher and interpreter of the Law. Matthew’s Gospel uniquely balances narrative and doctrine, portraying Jesus as both a compassionate Savior and a wise King. It begins with a genealogy that links Jesus to Abraham and David, affirming His rightful place in Jewish history. Overall, the book bridges the Old and New Testaments, establishing Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and prophets, and laying the foundation for the Church’s mission to all nations.
Central Themes & Keywords
- Kingdom of Heaven: Central to Jesus’ teachings, depicting God’s sovereign rule and the call to live under His reign.
- Fulfillment: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Discipleship: Highlights the cost and commitment required to follow Jesus.
- Righteousness: Calls for a deeper, internal righteousness surpassing mere external observance.
- Authority: Jesus’ authority over the Law, nature, sin, and death, affirming His divine identity.
- Mission: The Great Commission urges disciples to spread the gospel globally.
- Judgment: Warns of the consequences of rejecting the kingdom and calls for repentance.
Revealing Key Verses
- Matthew 1:23 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (meaning “God with us”). Highlights Jesus’ divine presence among humanity.
- 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.” Shows Jesus’ mission to complete the Scriptures.
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Encourages prioritizing God’s kingdom.
- Matthew 16:16 – “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Peter’s declaration of Jesus’ identity.
- Matthew 22:37-39 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself.” The core commandments.
- Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all nations…” The Great Commission to spread the gospel.
- Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus’ invitation to find rest in Him.
Important Teachings
The book of Matthew presents foundational teachings of the Christian faith, focusing on the kingdom of heaven, righteousness, and discipleship. The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7) is a key section, outlining the ethics of God’s kingdom. It includes the Beatitudes, which describe the attitudes and behaviors of those blessed in God’s eyes, and the Lord’s Prayer, a model for intimate and reverent communication with God. This sermon redefines righteousness as more than legal adherence but as a heart transformation leading to genuine love and mercy. Jesus’ parables in Matthew, such as the sower and the mustard seed (Chapter 13), illustrate the nature of the kingdom—its growth, value, and the varied responses to its message. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) encapsulates the call to all believers to spread the gospel, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe Jesus’ commandments. Through these teachings, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, bringing salvation and inviting all to participate in His redemptive work.
Place in God’s Story
Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. It reveals how Jesus establishes the new covenant, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel and extending them to all nations. The Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ role in inaugurating God’s kingdom on earth and commissioning His followers to continue His mission.
Time & Context
The Gospel of Matthew was likely written between AD 60 and 70, in a period marked by significant upheaval for the Jewish people, including the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70. This context is crucial as it influenced the Jewish-Christian audience grappling with the loss of their central place of worship and the rise of the early Church. Matthew, possibly written in Antioch, a key center for early Christianity, addresses these concerns by presenting Jesus as the true continuation and fulfillment of the Jewish faith. The Roman occupation and its oppressive rule fostered a longing for deliverance, which many expected from a political Messiah. Matthew reinterprets this expectation, showcasing Jesus as the suffering servant and spiritual savior rather than a political liberator. The inclusion of Gentiles in the narrative, such as the Magi’s visit (Matthew 2) and the Great Commission, signals the expansion of God’s kingdom beyond Jewish boundaries. This Gospel thus reflects a transitional period where the early Church navigates its identity amidst shifting religious and political landscapes.
Unique Literary Features
Matthew’s Gospel is structured with alternating narrative and teaching sections, reflecting a careful literary design. The five major discourses mirror the Pentateuch, emphasizing Jesus as a new Moses who provides authoritative teaching. The frequent use of “fulfillment” formulas (e.g., “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…”) uniquely links Jesus’ life and ministry to Old Testament prophecies. Parables are a central feature, used to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, while also concealing truths from those unwilling to receive them. The genealogy in Matthew 1, structured in three sets of fourteen generations, highlights Jesus’ legal lineage through Joseph, affirming His Messianic credentials.
Relevance to Audience
Matthew’s original audience, primarily Jewish Christians, faced challenges in reconciling their faith in Jesus with their Jewish heritage. The Gospel reassures them that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. For contemporary readers, Matthew emphasizes living out kingdom values, making it relevant for those seeking to understand how Jesus’ teachings apply to daily life and the call to discipleship.
Expression of Jesus
Matthew portrays Jesus as the promised Messiah, the new Moses, and the King of Israel. His genealogy in Chapter 1 ties Him to Abraham and David, emphasizing His rightful claim to the throne. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus is shown as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, teaching with authority and performing miracles that authenticate His divine identity. The Sermon on the Mount reinterprets the Law, pointing to a righteousness that surpasses mere legal observance. The transfiguration in Chapter 17 reveals His divine glory, while His entry into Jerusalem and His subsequent Passion demonstrate His role as the suffering servant. Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus’ teaching, authority, and fulfillment of prophecy presents Him as the central figure in God’s redemptive plan, the one who inaugurates the kingdom of heaven and calls all people to follow Him.
Gospel Connections
The Gospel of Matthew intricately connects Jesus’ life and teachings with the message of salvation. Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets underscores His unique position as the savior of humanity. His death and resurrection are the culmination of God’s redemptive work, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 expands the scope of the gospel to all nations, emphasizing the universal nature of Christ’s work. The themes of repentance, kingdom living, and discipleship challenge believers to live in light of the gospel, embodying the values of God’s kingdom and participating in its mission.
Unique Artworks & Media
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- “The Calling of St. Matthew” by Caravaggio: Depicts the moment Jesus calls Matthew from his life as a tax collector, symbolizing transformation and the power of Jesus’ invitation.
- “The Sermon on the Mount” by Carl Bloch: Illustrates Jesus teaching His followers, highlighting His role as the ultimate teacher of God’s kingdom principles.
- “The Great Commission” by James Tissot: Shows Jesus sending His disciples to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the global mission of the Church.
Video Media:
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Impact & Events
Matthew’s Gospel recounts significant events such as Jesus’ miraculous birth, the visit of the Magi, His baptism, and temptation in the wilderness, each affirming His divine mission. The Sermon on the Mount articulates the ethics of the kingdom, while His miracles demonstrate His authority over nature, sin, and death. Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah and the transfiguration mark turning points in the narrative, revealing deeper aspects of Jesus’ identity. The Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus form the climax, portraying Him as the suffering servant and victorious king. The Great Commission concludes the Gospel, establishing the Church’s mission to spread the gospel globally.
Devotional Reflection
The story of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 8:23-27 offers a powerful reminder of His authority over chaos and fear. Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor imprisoned for his faith, found peace in Jesus despite severe persecution. His faithfulness in the face of suffering reflects the peace that Jesus brings in the midst of life’s storms. How do you respond to the storms in your life? Do you trust in Jesus’ power and presence when faced with difficulties?
Eye-Opening Facts: Did You Know?
- The Gospel of Matthew has more Old Testament quotations than any other New Testament book.
- The title “Son of David” appears ten times, emphasizing Jesus’ royal lineage.
- Matthew’s genealogy includes four women, highlighting God’s grace and unexpected ways of fulfilling His promises.
- The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is unique to Matthew and appears 32 times.
- The Magi’s visit is only recorded in Matthew, emphasizing Jesus’ significance to the Gentiles.
- The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is the most explicit mission mandate given by Jesus.
- Matthew records more parables than any other Gospel.
- The Sermon on the Mount contains some of the most quoted teachings of Jesus, such as the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer.
- Matthew’s Gospel ends with the assurance of Jesus’ presence: “I am with you always.”
- The phrase “weeping and gnashing of teeth” appears six times, unique to Matthew, highlighting judgment themes.
- The book begins with “the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah” and ends with the resurrection and commission, framing the story of salvation.
- Matthew is the only Gospel that records the payment of temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27).
- The Gospel portrays Jesus as a new Moses, delivering a new law on a mountain, akin to the giving of the Torah.
- The phrase “You have heard… but I say to you” appears multiple times in the Sermon on the Mount, showcasing Jesus’ authority to interpret the Law.
- The genealogy in Matthew 1 is arranged in three sets of fourteen generations, symbolizing completeness and connecting Jesus to David, emphasizing His Messianic lineage.
- The Gospel includes the account of Judas’ remorse and suicide, highlighting the tragic consequences of betrayal (Matthew 27:3-10).
- Matthew’s Gospel uniquely records the angelic appearance to Joseph in a dream, guiding him to protect Mary and Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21).
- The narrative of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:29) is exclusive to Matthew, demonstrating faith and doubt.
- Matthew alone mentions the visit of Pilate’s wife, who warns him to have nothing to do with Jesus because of a troubling dream (Matthew 27:19).
- The fulfillment formula “this happened to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet” is repeated frequently, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Matthew’s use of the term “Son of Man” highlights both Jesus’ humanity and His divine authority to judge and save, underscoring His unique role as mediator between God and humanity.
