The Book of Matthew

Purpose of The Book of Matthew:
Written to Jews to show the reality and significance of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Matthew was written primarily to Jewish Christians who were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah, persuading them that, in Jesus, God is fulfilling the promises made to the nation of Israel, and encouraging them to follow God in this "new thing" called Christianity.

Summary of The Book of Matthew:
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus is presented as the Son of God and the King of the Jews. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, who preaches the gospel of the kingdom to all peoples-both Jew and Gentile. The entire book is composed of five large blocks of teaching (5:1-7:29; 10:11-42; 13:1-52; 18:1-35; 24:1-25:46). Jesus’ origins (1-2) and his preparation for ministry (3:1-4:11) are described at the beginning of the book. The story concludes with the Passion of the Christ: the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, (26-28), as well as the commissioning of his disciples to take the gospel to the nations.

Author and Dates of The Book of Matthew:
Matthew probably wrote his gospel right around the time of the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Romans, in the mid to late 60s AD.

Although it is hard to say with any degree of accuracy, most scholars suggest Antioch in Syria as the most likely place where Matthew wrote this gospel. Antioch had a large Jewish population, and was one of the first centers of outreach to the gentile world. This fits the character of Matthew's gospel nicely.

Outline of The Book of Matthew:

1. The Person of Jesus (ch. 1:1 - 4:16).
2. The Proclamations of Jesus (ch. 4:17 - 16:20).
3. The Passion of Jesus (ch. 16:21 - 28:20).

Themes of The Book of Matthew:
Cost of Discipleship: Matthew vividly expressed the sacrifices involved in being a follower of Christ, showing his audience that he understood their situation, yet still affirmed that the Kingdom of God is worth any price. (Mt 13:44-46).
Fulfillment: Matthew's gospel contains more prophetic fulfillment language than any other gospel, showing that Jesus is the culmination of Israel's hopes and dreams, convincing his audience that the time of waiting is over and the time for proclamation was at hand. (Mt 13:16-17).
Progress: Jesus' preaching about the nature of the Kingdom was radically different from the teachings of that day, and Matthew made it clear that God was doing something new, and something better than Israel had ever seen before. (Mt 9:16-17).
The Church: Matthew is the only gospel to use the word "Church" (ekklesia), and he uses it two different times. He is committed to the idea that Christians should gather together for worship and encouragement. (Mt 18:19-20).
Authority: Matthew, as do the other gospels, explain Jesus' miracles and teachings as powerful and authoritative. But Matthew puts extra emphasis on Jesus' authority over all things, encouraging his readers that nothing can stand in the way of God's forward-moving Kingdom. (Mt 16:18; 28:18).