Topical Encyclopedia The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the four canonical gospels. Traditionally attributed to Matthew, also known as Levi, a tax collector and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, this gospel is a foundational text for understanding the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is particularly noted for its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and its presentation of Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.Authorship and Date The early church unanimously attributed the Gospel of Matthew to the apostle Matthew. Although the exact date of composition is debated, many scholars suggest it was written between AD 50 and 70. The gospel's Jewish perspective and its focus on the fulfillment of prophecy suggest it was intended for a Jewish-Christian audience. Structure and Content The Gospel of Matthew is structured around five major discourses, which some scholars see as a parallel to the five books of the Torah. These discourses include the Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7), the Mission Discourse (Chapter 10), the Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13), the Discourse on the Church (Chapter 18), and the Olivet Discourse (Chapters 24-25). Key Themes 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew frequently cites Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. For example, Matthew 1:22-23 states, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." 2. The Kingdom of Heaven: Unique to Matthew is the phrase "kingdom of heaven," which appears 32 times. This concept is central to Jesus' teaching and reflects the gospel's emphasis on the spiritual reign of God inaugurated by Christ. 3. Jesus as the New Moses: Matthew presents Jesus as a new and greater Moses, who delivers His people and provides authoritative teaching. This is evident in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus expounds on the Law with divine authority. 4. Righteousness and the Law: Matthew emphasizes a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees, focusing on the heart's intent rather than mere external compliance. In Matthew 5:20, Jesus declares, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." 5. The Church and Community: Matthew is the only gospel to use the term "church" (Greek: ekklesia). In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." Distinctive Features · Genealogy of Jesus: Matthew begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage from Abraham through David, emphasizing His rightful place in Jewish history and His fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (Matthew 1:1-17). · The Great Commission: The gospel concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). · Emphasis on Teaching: Matthew contains more of Jesus' teachings than any other gospel, highlighting His role as a teacher and interpreter of the Law. Theological Significance The Gospel of Matthew is a vital text for understanding the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and underscores His authority as the Messiah. Through its rich teachings and emphasis on discipleship, Matthew provides a comprehensive guide for living out the Christian faith in anticipation of the kingdom of heaven. Smith's Bible Dictionary Gospel Of Matthew
Library Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Matthew From the Second Book of the Commentary on the Gospel According to ... Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew After These Assertions, He Takes from the Gospel of Matthew... The Pearl of the Gospel in Relation to the Old Testament. The Promise Given to Peter not Restricted to Him, but Applicable ... Things Clean and Unclean According to the Law and the Gospel. How Jesus Finished his Words. Resources What is the Gospel of Peter? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be gospel-centered? | GotQuestions.org What is the Gospel of Judas? | GotQuestions.org Gospel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gospel According To the Hebrews Gospel: Called the New Covenant Gospel: Called: Doctrine According to Godliness Gospel: Called: Form of Sound Words Gospel: Called: Glorious Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Peace Gospel: Called: Gospel of Salvation Gospel: Called: Gospel of the Kingdom Gospel: Called: Ministration of the Spirit Gospel: Called: Mystery of Christ Gospel: Called: Mystery of the Gospel Gospel: Called: Preaching of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: The Dispensation of the Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Kingdom of God Gospel: Called: Word of Christ Gospel: Called: Word of Reconciliation Gospel: Called: Word of Salvation Gospel: Compared to a Householder Gospel: Compared to a Mustard Seed Gospel: Compared to a Pearl of Great Price Gospel: Compared to a Treasure Hidden in a Field Gospel: Compared to Leaven (Yeast) Gospel: Prophecies Relating To Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Gospel is Called the Dispensation of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Doctrine According to Godliness The Gospel is Called the Form of Sound Words The Gospel is Called the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Peace The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Kingdom The Gospel is Called the Ministration of the Spirit The Gospel is Called the Mystery of the Gospel The Gospel is Called the Preaching of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Faith The Gospel is Called the Word of God The Gospel is Called the Word of Grace The Gospel is Called the Word of Life The Gospel is Called the Word of Reconciliation The Gospel is Called the Word of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Word of Truth The Gospel is Good Tidings of Great Joy for all People The Gospel is Hid to Them That are Lost The Gospel is the Power of God to Salvation The Gospel: Awful Consequences of not Obeying The Gospel: Be Careful not to Hinder The Gospel: Exhibits the Grace of God The Gospel: Let Him Who Preached Another, be Accursed The Gospel: Life and Immortality are Brought to Light by Jesus Through The Gospel: Ministers Have a Stewardship to Preach The Gospel: Preached Beforehand to Abraham The Gospel: Preached by Christ The Gospel: Preached to Every Creature The Gospel: Preached to The Gentiles The Gospel: Preached to The Jews First The Gospel: Preached to The Poor The Gospel: Preached Under the Old Testament The Gospel: Profession of, Attended by Afflictions The Gospel: Promises to Sufferers The Gospel: Rejection of, by Many, Foretold The Gospel: Rejection of, by the Jews, a Means of Blessing to The The Gospel: Saints Have Fellowship In The Gospel: Testifies to the Final Judgment The Gospel: The Knowledge of the Glory of God is By The Gospel: There is Fulness of Blessing In The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Adhere to the Truth of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Earnestly Contend for the Faith of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Have Their Conversation Becoming The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Live in Subjection To The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should not be Ashamed of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Friends and Property For The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Life Itself For Related Terms |