Introduction to Gospel according to Matthew

The 40th book of the Bible, the first in the New Testament

The Gospel itself does not name the author, but from the earliest times he has been identified with Matthew, originally named Levi, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples.

He was of Jewish descent and worked as a tax collector in Galilee. His calling to become a disciple of Jesus is described in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 2, verses 13–17, and in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 9.

His account of Jesus is very detailed and structured, which—given his professional background—also points to Matthew as the author.
His emphasis on the person of Jesus lies in portraying him as the King of the world.

Matthew writes his Gospel primarily for the Jewish people and thus presupposes knowledge of the Holy Scriptures for understanding certain passages.

He demonstrates Jesus’ kingship by pointing out and attesting to many passages in the Old Testament prophecies that point to the Messiah, and by tracing Jesus’ lineage (through the line of Joseph) back to King David and the patriarch Abraham.
According to the prophecies, this King is to be rejected at his first coming, but his reign is to be established at his second coming.

Since Matthew is writing to people who already know the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, the focus is less on salvation itself and more on how one should conduct oneself as a follower of Christ.

A distinctive feature of the Gospel of Matthew is the five major discourses of Jesus, in which his words are compiled:

1st Discourse – The Sermon on the Mount, acting rightly according to God’s will
In chapter 5, from verse 1 through chapter 7, verse 29

2nd Discourse – To the 12 disciples as they are sent out
In chapter 10, verses 5 through 42

3rd Discourse – Sermon by the Sea of Galilee with parables
In chapter 13, verses 1 through 52

4th Discourse – Teaching the disciples about conduct in the church
In chapter 18, verses 1 through 35

5th Discourse – The sermon on the end times on the Mount of Olives
In chapter 24, from verse 1 through chapter 25, verse 46

In broad terms, the Gospel of Matthew is structured as follows:

Chapters 1–12 – The revelation of the Messiah, how Jesus fulfills and continues God’s history with Israel, and his rejection by the religious leaders

Chapters 13–25 – Jesus’ public teaching and ministry

Chapters 26–27 – His suffering and death as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity

Chapter 28 – His resurrection from the dead and the Great Commission to his followers

The Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written between the years 40 and 60 A.D. It is thus likely the first official account of the life of Jesus.
Syria (Antioch or Damascus) is often cited as the place of origin, since many Jews lived in those cities at the time, and it was to them that the Gospel was first preached.

Content of the Gospel according to Matthew:

Matthew chapter 1
I. The Story of Jesus‘ Childhood (Chapters 1–2)
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Events Leading Up to Jesus‘ Birth
Matthew chapter 2
The Magi from the East
Flight from Herod to Egypt
Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem and the surrounding area
The family’s return to Nazareth in Galilee
Matthew chapter 3
II. John the Baptist. The Anointing of the Messiah (3:1–4:11)
The Ministry of John the Baptist
The Baptism of Jesus by Water and the Holy Spirit
Matthew chapter 4
III. The Temptation (4:1–11) and Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee (4:12–11:1)
Jesus Is Tempted by Satan
The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee
The Calling of the Brothers Simon and Andrew, as well as James and John, as the First Disciples
Jesus Teaches and Heals in Galilee
Matthew chapter 5
The Sermon on the Mount – Part 1
The Beatitudes
Jesus’ followers are to be salt and light
On the fulfillment of the Law
Jesus exhorts us to be forgiving
On adultery and divorce
On oaths, vengeance, and godly conduct
On loving one’s enemies
Matthew chapter 6
The Sermon on the Mount – Part 2
Be careful when giving alms
Be careful when praying (the Lord’s Prayer with a concluding admonition)
Be Careful When Fasting
Righteousness is the imperishable wealth of the disciples – treasures in heaven and on earth
Seeking this righteousness frees Jesus’ disciples from earthly worries
Matthew chapter 7
The Sermon on the Mount – Part 3
Warning against self-righteous judgment, hypocritical religious behavior, and the exhortation to handle God’s treasures with care
Encouragement to pray to God
The “Golden Rule” for practicing love for one’s neighbor. The Narrow and the Wide Way
Warning against false prophets (i.e., false teachers), who are recognized by the fruits of their lives
Those who merely confess with their mouths will not stand in the final judgment—only those who also become doers of the word have built on the rock
Wise and foolish builders
Matthew chapter 8
Healing of a leper
The Centurion of Capernaum
Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, many exorcisms and healings
The cost of following Jesus
Jesus calms a storm—He also has authority over the elements
Deliverance of two possessed men—the demons flee into a herd of pigs
Matthew chapter 9
Matthew chapter 10
The Instructions
The Foretelling of the Disciples’ Coming Suffering
Encouragement to Persevere Faithfully and Comfort in Times of Tribulation
Conclusion of the Discourse (especially the Promises)
Matthew chapter 11
IV. The Jews’ Unbelief and Hostility Toward Jesus (11:2–13:58)
Matthew chapter 12
Matthew chapter 13
Matthew chapter 14
V. Further Stories from Jesus’ Itinerant Ministry Within and Outside Galilee (14:1–16:12)
Matthew chapter 15
Matthew chapter 16
VI. Preparation of the Disciples for Jesus’ Suffering; Departure for Jerusalem (16:13–20:28)
Matthew chapter 17
Matthew chapter 18
Matthew chapter 19
Matthew chapter 20
VII. Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem and Final Ministry (20:29–25:46)
Matthew chapter 21
Matthew chapter 22
Matthew chapter 23
A Warning Against the Blood-Stained People Who Reject His Salvation
Jesus’ Departure from the City of Jerusalem and the Announcement of His Return
Matthew chapter 24
The First Signs
The Persecution of the Disciples
The Climax of the Tribulation in Judea
The Prophecy of the False Prophets
A General Admonition to Watchfulness
The Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Servants
Matthew chapter 25
The Parable of the Ten (Wise and Foolish) Virgins
The Parable of the Talents
Matthew chapter 26
VIII. The Passion and Death of Jesus (Chapters 26–27)
Matthew chapter 27
Matthew chapter 28
IX. The Account of the Resurrection (Chapter 28)