The gospel of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and the first of the four gospels which recount the life of Jesus. Matthew, Mark and Luke are also known as the Synoptic Gospels because they record many of the same parables and events usually in the same sequence.
Who Wrote the Gospel of Matthew?
The apostle Matthew was considered the book’s author from the early days of the church although scholars have more recently expressed skepticism about that. Brian Tubbs' article on Matthew examines its authorship in light of modern skepticism but concludes, as does this author, that the evidence supports Matthew’s authorship.
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a Jewish tax collector. Jews generally hated tax collectors because many of them overcharged the taxes they collected for Rome and kept the excess for themselves. Matthew records in 9:9-13 how Jesus approached him while he was collecting taxes and said, “follow me.” Matthew left his booth and took Jesus to his house where he provided dinner for Jesus along with many other tax collectors and "sinners." When the Pharisees questioned why Jesus was eating with such disreputable people, Matthew writes that Jesus responded, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
When was the Gospel of Matthew Written?
The date of Matthew's writing ranges from as early as 42 AD to nearly 100; however, it is generally considered to have been written between 55 and 65 AD. Jesus predicted the temple's destruction in Matthew 24 and Rome destroyed it in 70 AD. If Matthew had been written after 70 AD, the fulfillment of that prediction would most likely have been noted.
What Audience was the Gospel of Matthew Written For?
Matthew’s gospel was written to show evidence to his fellow Jews that Jesus was the Messiah, or Savior, who was prophesied throughout the Old Testament. There are over 129 Old Testament quotes or references found throughout Matthew many of which he identifies as prophesies which were fulfilled by the things Jesus did or said or events which happened during Jesus’ ministry
Outline of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew contains seven main sections:
- The Prologue, 1:1 – 2:23, lists the genealogy of Abraham down through David to Jesus, his birth, Herod’s attempt to kill him and the Joseph and Mary’s escape into Egypt.
- Section One, 3:1 - 7:29, covers John the Baptist, the temptation of Jesus by Satan, the selection of some of his disciples and the Sermon on the Mount.
- Section Two, 8:1 - 11:1, recounts many of Jesus’ miracles, his sending out of the twelve to teach and his warnings to the disciples about the rejections they will face for following him.
- Section Three, 11:1 - 13:53, shows the growing hostility of Jewish leaders to Jesus and ends with a series of parables which teach his disciples about the kingdom of Heaven.
- Section Four, 13:53 - 19:1, shows Jesus continuing his ministry. He predicts his death, experiences the Transfiguration and teaches about relationships within the church.
- Section Five 19:1 - 26:1, covers Jesus' journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, his triumphant entry, his denunciation of Jewish leaders and his predictions of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem.
- The Epilogue, 26:1 – 28:20, records Jesus' Passover meal, his capture, trial, crucifixion, resurrection and his Great Commission.
How Matthew is Unique From Other Gospels
While Matthew, Mark and Luke share many of the same parables and events, according to the New International Version Life Application Bible, there are nine unique events in Matthew not found in the other gospels:
- Joseph’s dream about the birth of Jesus (1:20-24)
- The visit of the Magi (2:1-12)
- Joseph and Mary’s escape to Egypt with Jesus (2:13-15)
- Herod's slaughter of children (2:16-18)
- The suicide of Judas Iscariot (27:3-10)
- A dream Pilate’s wife had about Jesus (27:19)
- The resurrection of holy people after Jesus died on the cross (27:52)
- The bribery of the guards (28:11-15)
- The baptism emphasis in the Great Commission (28:19-20)
The Gospel of Matthew serves as a bridge between Judaism and Christianity by showing how the Old Testament prophecies of the promised Messiah were fulfilled in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.
Additional Reading: The Gospel of John
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