Bible Daily

The Gospel of Matthew: An Introduction to the New Testament

Introduction

The Bible, as the sacred text of Christianity, is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The New Testament, which focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, begins with the Gospel of Matthew. This book is not only the first in the New Testament but also one of the four canonical gospels, alongside Mark, Luke, and John, which collectively provide the primary narrative of Jesus's life and ministry.

Authorship and Dating

Traditionally, the Gospel of Matthew is attributed to Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi, who was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus's twelve apostles. However, modern scholarship often debates the authorship, suggesting that the Gospel might have been written by an anonymous Christian, possibly a Jewish Christian, who compiled the teachings of Jesus from earlier sources.

The dating of Matthew's Gospel is generally placed between 70-100 AD, with many scholars favoring a date after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD, due to references to this event within the text.

Structure and Content

The Gospel of Matthew is structured around five major discourses of Jesus, often compared to the five books of the Torah, highlighting Jesus as the new Moses:

  1. The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7) - This discourse includes the Beatitudes and teachings on various moral and ethical issues, presenting Jesus's interpretation of the Law.

  2. The Missionary Discourse (Chapter 10) - Here, Jesus instructs the twelve apostles on how to spread his message.

  3. The Parable Discourse (Chapter 13) - Jesus teaches through parables, explaining the Kingdom of Heaven.

  4. The Church Discourse (Chapter 18) - Jesus discusses community life, forgiveness, and the role of the church.

  5. The Eschatological Discourse (Chapters 24-25) - Jesus speaks about the end times, judgment, and the final coming of the Kingdom.

Additionally, Matthew includes:

  • Genealogy of Jesus (Chapter 1) - Tracing Jesus's lineage back to Abraham, emphasizing his Jewish heritage.
  • Nativity and Early Life (Chapters 1-2) - Including the visit of the Magi, the flight to Egypt, and the return to Nazareth.
  • Miracles and Healings - Demonstrating Jesus's divine power and compassion.
  • Passion, Death, and Resurrection (Chapters 26-28) - The climax of Jesus's earthly ministry.

Theological Themes

Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Matthew's Gospel is particularly noted for its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies:

  • Messianic Prophecies: Matthew frequently cites Old Testament scriptures to show how Jesus fulfills the role of the Messiah.
  • Fulfillment Formula: The phrase "this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet" appears numerous times, linking Jesus's actions to scriptural expectations.

The Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew uses the term "Kingdom of Heaven" instead of "Kingdom of God," reflecting a Jewish reverence for the name of God:

  • Parables: Jesus teaches about the Kingdom through parables, making abstract concepts accessible through stories.
  • Ethics of the Kingdom: The Sermon on the Mount outlines the ethical standards expected of those who follow Jesus.

Law and Righteousness

Matthew portrays Jesus as upholding and fulfilling the Law:

  • Jesus and the Law: Jesus states he did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
  • Righteousness: A key theme is the pursuit of a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees and scribes.

Ecclesiology

Matthew's Gospel lays groundwork for the early Christian community:

  • Church: The word "church" (ekklesia) appears here for the first time in the New Testament.
  • Authority: Jesus gives authority to Peter and the other apostles to bind and loose, which relates to church governance.

Influence and Interpretation

Early Christianity

  • Jewish-Christian Relations: Matthew's Gospel played a crucial role in the transition from Judaism to Christianity, addressing Jewish Christians and explaining Jesus's mission within the context of Jewish tradition.

  • Liturgical Use: Many of Jesus's teachings in Matthew, especially from the Sermon on the Mount, have become integral to Christian liturgy and doctrine.

Modern Interpretations

  • Historical-Critical Method: Scholars analyze Matthew's Gospel for its historical context, literary structure, and theological intent.

  • Narrative Criticism: Focuses on the story as a whole, examining how characters, plot, and setting convey theological messages.

  • Theological Reflection: The Gospel continues to be a source for theological reflection on topics like the nature of God, ethics, and the mission of the church.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Matthew stands as a pivotal text in the New Testament, offering a detailed account of Jesus's life, teachings, and mission. It serves as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New, presenting Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Jewish prophecy and establishes a new covenant. Its structured discourses, emphasis on Jesus's fulfillment of the Law, and its focus on the Kingdom of Heaven provide a rich tapestry for understanding Christian doctrine, ethics, and the role of the church. Matthew's Gospel not only narrates the story of Jesus but also shapes the identity and mission of the Christian community, making it an essential study for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of Christianity.