The Gospel According to Matthew (Mattheüs)
King James Version (KJV)
The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the most foundational writings for understanding the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rooted deeply in Old Testament prophecy, Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah—the King of the Jews, the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, and the Savior of the world.
The Author: Matthew (Mattheüs)
Who was he?
Matthew—also called Levi in the Gospels—was a Jewish tax collector before becoming a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28). As a tax collector, he worked for the Roman government, often viewed with suspicion or dislike by fellow Jews.
Conversion:
Matthew responded immediately to Jesus’ call:“Follow me.” And he arose, and followed him. (Matthew 9:9 KJV)
Background facts:
- He was likely well-educated, skilled in writing and record-keeping.
- His occupation explains the gospel’s detailed structure, organized teachings, and emphasis on numbers and fulfillment references.
- Early church tradition states that Matthew preached the gospel in Judea and possibly traveled to regions such as Ethiopia or Persia.
- His exact date of death is uncertain, but tradition suggests he died as a faithful witness of Christ.
Date of writing:
Most scholars place Matthew’s Gospel around A.D. 50–70, making it one of the earlier New Testament texts.
Purpose of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew wrote with a clear goal: to prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.
Key purposes:
- To show that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah.
- To present Jesus as the King of the Jews—the rightful heir to David’s throne.
- To demonstrate that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near through Christ.
- To provide instruction for discipleship, teaching, and living under the authority of Jesus.
Matthew repeatedly uses the phrase “that it might be fulfilled” (e.g., Matthew 1:22; 2:15; 2:17; 2:23), tying Jesus’ life directly to Scripture.
Audience
Matthew wrote primarily to a Jewish audience, though the message applies to all believers.
Evidence includes:
- Frequent Old Testament quotations (over 60 direct references).
- Emphasis on Jewish customs and prophetic fulfillment.
- The use of the title “Son of David” for Jesus.
- A deliberate genealogy tracing Jesus to Abraham and King David (Matthew 1:1–17).
Historical & Biblical Context
- Written in a time of Roman occupation.
- Jewish expectations of the Messiah were politically charged; many expected a warrior-king.
- Matthew presents Jesus not as a political deliverer but as the spiritual King who establishes the Kingdom of Heaven.
- The book bridges the Old and New Testaments—connecting the Law and Prophets with the person of Christ.
Timeline of Key Events
Matthew’s Gospel spans approximately 33 years:
- Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1–2)
- John the Baptist’s ministry (Matthew 3)
- Jesus’ earthly ministry (Matthew 4–25)
- Crucifixion, death, and resurrection (Matthew 26–28)
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)
Key Themes & Points in Matthew
– Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Matthew constantly shows how Jesus fulfills specific prophecies, such as:
- Virgin birth – Isaiah 7:14 → Matthew 1:22–23
- Birth in Bethlehem – Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:5–6
- Ministry in Galilee – Isaiah 9:1–2 → Matthew 4:13–15
- Suffering Servant – Isaiah 53 → Matthew 8:17
– The Kingdom of Heaven
Unique to Matthew is the repeated phrase “the kingdom of heaven”—appearing over 30 times.
– Jesus as King and Messiah
Matthew opens with a royal genealogy and declares Jesus as the Son of David—the promised King.
– Discipleship and Teachings of Jesus
Matthew contains the largest amount of Jesus’ teachings, including:
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
- Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)
- Instructions for disciples (Matthew 10)
- End-times teachings (Matthew 24–25)
– The Great Commission
The book concludes with Jesus’ command to all believers:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:19–20 KJV)
Key Verses in Matthew (KJV)
- Matthew 1:23 – Virgin birth prophecy fulfilled
- Matthew 4:19 – Call to discipleship
- Matthew 5:14–16 – Believers as the light of the world
- Matthew 11:28 – Jesus gives rest
- Matthew 16:16 – Peter’s confession: “Thou art the Christ”
- Matthew 22:37–39 – The greatest commandments
- Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission
Structure of the Book
Matthew can be viewed in five major teaching sections—paralleling the five books of Moses:
- The Sermon on the Mount (5–7)
- Instruction to the Twelve (10)
- Parables of the Kingdom (13)
- Teachings on Community & Forgiveness (18)
- The Olivet Discourse (24–25)
This reinforces Matthew’s theme: Jesus as the New and Greater Teacher.
Central Message of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew declares boldly and clearly:
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the promised King and Savior, who fulfills all Scripture and brings the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.
