Gospel of matthew

Definition

The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, traditionally attributed to Matthew, a tax collector and one of Jesus’ apostles. This gospel emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Messiah and King, and it is characterized by its unique teachings, parables, and a strong focus on fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, making it particularly significant in understanding the rise of Christianity within the context of the Roman Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gospel of Matthew is often recognized for its extensive use of Old Testament quotations to show how Jesus fulfills Jewish prophecy.
2. This gospel contains the Sermon on the Mount, which includes key teachings like the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer.
3. Matthew's genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, highlighting his Jewish heritage and connection to the promises made to Israel.
4. The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus as a teacher with authority, often referring to him as 'Rabbi' and emphasizing his role in providing moral guidance.
5. Matthew concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his disciples to spread his teachings to all nations, marking a pivotal moment for early Christianity.

Review Questions

• How does the Gospel of Matthew highlight Jesus' role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies?
  • The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through numerous citations and references throughout its text. For instance, Matthew begins with a genealogy that connects Jesus to significant figures in Jewish history, such as Abraham and David. Additionally, many narratives and teachings are framed to demonstrate how events in Jesus' life correspond with prophetic writings, underscoring his identity as the awaited Messiah within a Jewish context.
• In what ways does the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew contribute to understanding Christian ethics during the rise of Christianity?
  • The Sermon on the Mount is central to understanding Christian ethics as it presents core principles that would shape Christian moral teachings. Through beatitudes and directives like 'love your enemies,' Matthew lays a foundation for ethical behavior that contrasts sharply with prevailing cultural norms. This ethical framework was particularly influential as Christianity began to spread within a diverse Roman Empire where traditional values were often challenged.
• Evaluate how the Gospel of Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as a teacher impacted early Christian communities in the Roman Empire.
  • The portrayal of Jesus as a teacher in the Gospel of Matthew had profound implications for early Christian communities as it established a model for moral leadership and communal living. By emphasizing teachings such as mercy, humility, and righteousness, Matthew provided guidelines for how followers should live in a multi-religious society dominated by Roman values. This focus on ethical instruction helped early Christians navigate their identity amidst persecution and offered them a framework for engaging with broader societal issues while maintaining their distinct beliefs.

Related terms

New Testament: The second part of the Christian Bible, consisting of 27 books that detail the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Christian church.

Synoptic Gospels: The first three gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) that share similar content and perspectives on Jesus’ life and ministry.

Messiah: A savior or liberator figure in Jewish tradition, believed by Christians to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.