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?“
S – Summary, Structure & Author
Matthew’s Gospel, written by Matthew (Levi), a former tax collector turned apostle of the Messiah, stands as the first book of the New Testament. The Gospel presents Yeshua (Jesus) as the promised King and Messiah of Israel, emphasizing His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The book follows a clear five-part structure, mirroring the five books of Torah: the Messiah’s birth and beginnings (Matthew 1:1-4:25), the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29), the Kingdom parables and miracles (Matthew 8:1-10:42), opposition and rejection (Matthew 11:1-16:20), and His final days, crucifixion, and resurrection (Matthew 16:21-28:20). Matthew meticulously arranges His material to present Yeshua as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes and the promised Son of David who will rule all the nations in righteousness as the King of kings.
C – Central Themes & Keywords
- Kingdom of Heaven – God’s sovereign rule manifested through His Son
- Fulfillment – The completion of Old Testament prophecies in Yeshua
- Discipleship – The call to follow the Messiah wholeheartedly
- Authority – The Messiah’s divine power over nature, illness, and sin
- Righteousness – True holiness that exceeds external religiosity
- Jewish Heritage – Connection to God’s covenant promises
- Great Commission – The mandate to make disciples of all nations
R – Revealing Key Verses
- Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”
- Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill”
- Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”
- Matthew 16:16 – “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”
- Matthew 22:37-40 – “You shall love יהוה (Yahweh) your God with all your heart”
- Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”
I – Important Teachings
Matthew’s Gospel presents profound theological truths about the nature of God’s Kingdom and true discipleship. The Messiah’s teachings reveal that the Kingdom of Heaven is both present and future, demanding a transformation of heart that exceeds mere external compliance with religious laws. Through the Sermon on the Mount, He establishes the ethical foundation of His Kingdom, emphasizing that true righteousness flows from a heart transformed by God’s grace. The Gospel presents the Messiah as the ultimate teacher of wisdom, the fulfillment of the Torah (Law), and the perfect example of Godly living. His teachings on prayer, forgiveness, wealth, and human relationships reveal God’s heart for His people and His vision for a restored humanity. Matthew uniquely emphasizes the Messiah’s role as King and Judge, showing how His authority extends over both the natural and spiritual realms.
P – Place in God’s Story
Matthew bridges the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating how the Messiah fulfills God’s covenant promises to Israel while extending salvation to all nations. The Gospel traces His royal lineage from Abraham and David, establishing His legitimate claim to the throne of Israel. As the first book of the New Testament, it serves as a perfect transition, showing how God’s redemptive plan moves from focusing primarily on Israel to encompassing all peoples while maintaining continuity with His covenant promises.
T – Time & Context
Written between 50-70 AD, Matthew’s Gospel emerged during a crucial period of transition for the early church. The Holy Land was under Roman occupation, creating political tension and messianic expectations among the Jewish people. The destruction of the Temple in 70 AD loomed on the horizon, and Jewish Christians faced increasing pressure from both traditional Jewish authorities and Roman officials. The religious landscape was diverse, with Pharisees, Sadducees, and various Jewish sects debating interpretations of the Law and messianic prophecies. Matthew wrote to a predominantly Jewish-Christian audience who needed reassurance that Yeshua truly was the promised Messiah. The Gospel addresses the concerns of Jews who wondered how the Messiah’s arrival could be reconciled with their current circumstances under Roman rule. Understanding this context helps explain Matthew’s emphasis on fulfillment of prophecy and his careful presentation of Yeshua as both the Jewish Messiah and the Savior of all nations.
U – Unique Literary Features
Matthew employs distinct literary techniques that set his Gospel apart. He frequently uses the pattern of five discourses, possibly echoing the five books of Torah. The Gospel contains more Old Testament quotations and allusions than any other Gospel, with the phrase “that it might be fulfilled” appearing repeatedly. Matthew’s organizational style is more topical than chronological, grouping similar teachings and miracles together for theological impact. His use of inclusio (bookending sections with similar themes) and chiastic structures demonstrates sophisticated literary craftsmanship that would have resonated with Jewish readers familiar with these techniques in Hebrew Scripture.
R – Relevance to Audience
The original audience consisted primarily of Jewish believers grappling with how to reconcile their faith in Yeshua with their Jewish heritage. Today, the Gospel speaks powerfully to questions of identity, authority, and authentic discipleship. Its teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven challenge modern believers to examine their allegiances and priorities, while its emphasis on fulfillment reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
E – Expression of Jesus
Matthew uniquely portrays the Messiah as the King of Kings, emphasizing His royal lineage and divine authority. He presents Him as the new Moses, giving the new law from a mountain, and as the promised Son of David. The Gospel highlights His role as Emmanuel, “God with us,” showing how His life, death, and resurrection fulfill the prophetic hopes of Israel. The Messiah appears as the ultimate teacher, the authoritative interpreter of Scripture, and the one who perfectly embodies the righteousness God requires.
G – Gospel Connections
Matthew’s Gospel lays the foundation for understanding the gospel message by demonstrating how the Messiah’s life, death, and resurrection fulfill God’s redemptive plan. The Gospel connects Old Testament prophecies with their fulfillment in Him, showing how His sacrificial death provides atonement for sins. The Great Commission at the end links this fulfillment to the worldwide spread of the gospel message, showing how God’s salvation extends to all nations through the Messiah’s completed work.
U – Unique Artworks & Media
Video Media:
Maps
Essential maps include the journey of the Magi, His ministry locations in Galilee, and His final week in Jerusalem.
Classical Artworks
- Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son” – Illustrating the Messiah’s teachings on forgiveness and divine love
- Caravaggio’s “The Calling of Saint Matthew” – Depicting the transformative power of His call to discipleship
- Giovanni Bellini’s “Sermon on the Mount” – Capturing the majesty of His teaching ministry
Suggest more media: Submit your ideas to the F.O.G project.
I – Impact & Events
Key events in Matthew’s Gospel shape the narrative of salvation history. The virgin birth establishes the Messiah’s divine identity and fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy. His baptism by John marks the beginning of His public ministry and receives divine approval. The Sermon on the Mount presents the constitution of His Kingdom. His miracles demonstrate His authority over creation, illness, and death. The transfiguration reveals His glory and confirms His identity as God’s Son. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, last supper, crucifixion, and resurrection form the climactic events that accomplish redemption. These events demonstrate God’s faithful fulfillment of His promises and establish the foundation for Christian faith and practice.
D – Devotional Reflection
Consider how the Messiah’s teaching on forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer challenges our daily relationships. George Müller, the 19th-century evangelist who cared for thousands of orphans, demonstrated this principle by forgiving those who slandered his ministry, choosing to entrust his reputation to God rather than seek revenge. His testimony shows how living out the Messiah’s teachings on forgiveness can impact not only our lives but also those around us.
Reflection Question: How might your relationships change if you began each day by asking God to help you forgive others as He has forgiven you?
E – Eye-Opening Facts: Did You Know?
- Matthew contains five major discourses, possibly paralleling the five books of Moses
- The Gospel includes over 60 direct quotations from the Old Testament
- The phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” appears 32 times, unique to Matthew
- Matthew is the only Gospel to mention the church explicitly
- The genealogy in chapter 1 unusually includes five women
- The Gospel was likely written in Greek, not Aramaic as previously thought
- Matthew uses the term “Son of David” more than any other Gospel
- The book contains three major mountain scenes symbolizing divine revelation
- It’s the only Gospel to record the guards at the tomb
- The word “fulfill” appears more times in Matthew than any other Gospel
- Matthew records more of the Messiah’s teachings on money than the other Gospels
- The book contains 12 parables not found in other Gospels
- It’s the only Gospel to mention the Magi
- The term “righteousness” appears seven times, a number of completion
- Matthew includes unique details about Peter walking on water
- The Gospel contains five major collections of miracles
- It’s the only Gospel to record the resurrection of saints after His crucifixion
- The book begins and ends with the promise of God’s presence
- Matthew uses the term “disciples” more than 70 times
- The Gospel includes unique details about Judas’s fate
- It contains the most complete version of the Lord’s Prayer
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