Main Themes of the Gospel of Matthew

Who wrote the Gospel of Matthew and who did they write it for?

The book of Matthew is one of the four gospels of Jesus. This gospel was written by the apostle Matthew as an account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This account was written primarily to the Jews.

When did the events of the the Gospel of Matthew happen?

The book of Matthew covers events from the genealogy of Christ, up to the resurrection of Christ. It was likely written before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

What was the setting of the Gospel of Matthew?

As the events of the book of Matthew cover the entire genealogy, birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the events take place in many locations, settings, and cultures. It is said that Matthew may have written this gospel in Antioch or Palestine.

What is the purpose of the Gospel of Matthew?

• Geneology, Birth and Early Life of Jesus (Matthew 1-2)
• Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry (Matthew 3)
• Ministry of Jesus (Matthew 4-20)
  • Early Ministry and the First Disciples (Matthew 4-7)
  • Miracles of Jesus (Matthew 8-10)
  • Beginning of Opposition (Matthew 11-12)
  • Parables of Jesus (Matthew 13)
  • Miracles Over Nature and Death of John the Baptist (Matthew 14)
  • Opposition Grows (Matthew 15-16)
  • The Transfiguration (Matthew 17)
  • Teaching on Kingdom Lifestyles (Matthew 18-20)
• The Passion of Christ (Matthew 21-28)
  • Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21)
  • Rejection of Christ (Matthew 22-24)
  • The Last Passover and the Last Supper (Matthew 26)
  • Betrayal, crucifixion, burial of Jesus (Matthew 27)
  • Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28)

How does the Gospel of Matthew apply to my life?

• Acts as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments with the benefit of a Jewish perspective.
• Confirms that Jesus is the promised Messiah and that He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament through His birth, life, death, and resurrection.
• Explains the genealogy of Jesus as evidence of Him being the promised King and Messiah.
• Discusses the law, Sabbath, the temple, prophecy fulfillment, and more from a Jewish perspective.
• Proves Jesus’s supremacy, sovereignty, and authority as the Son of God and King of the Jews.
• Places heavy emphasis on the Kingdom of God and Heaven as it relates to the life of Christians and the future coming of Christ.
• Affirms that the church of Jesus Christ is the true people of God and that Jesus is the only way to salvation.
• Teaches characteristics that the true people of God should display.
• Provides instructions for how a disciple of Jesus should live their life.
• Explains the relationship Jesus wishes to have with His followers.

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Summary

Reading and studying each gospel is invaluable for the edification of every believer. Each gospel provides a unique perspective of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to its author, by the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, who was born Jewish and became a tax collector for the Romans.

Matthew wrote this gospel in a way that his fellow Jews would understand, teaching them that Jesus is the Messiah promised through the Old Testament Hebrew texts. Many times scriptures from the Old Testament are quoted in Matthew in order to help build the case for Christ.

Matthew’s gospel account provides a unique Jewish perspective, tying the Old and New Testaments together and proving that Jesus is who He claims to be, has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, and is the new way of salvation which is offered first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. His record of Christ’s genealogy ties Jesus all the way back to the line of David, which