Matthew

Definition

Matthew refers to one of the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle. It is significant for its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and its unique perspective on his teachings, particularly in relation to the Jewish audience. This Gospel highlights the importance of Jesus' lineage, moral teachings, and the establishment of a new covenant, which connects closely to the themes of authority and divine revelation found in early medieval art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Matthew is often portrayed in medieval art as a bearded figure, sometimes accompanied by symbols like an angel or a man, representing his role as an evangelist.
2. This Gospel includes the famous Sermon on the Mount, which contains key ethical teachings such as the Beatitudes.
3. Matthew emphasizes Jesus' Jewish heritage by tracing his genealogy back to Abraham and David, highlighting his role as the Messiah.
4. The Gospel of Matthew is particularly known for its extensive use of Old Testament quotations to validate Jesus' identity and mission.
5. In Carolingian metalwork and ivory carvings, scenes from Matthew's Gospel are frequently depicted, reflecting its influence on early Christian art and culture.

Review Questions

• How does the Gospel of Matthew portray Jesus in relation to Jewish traditions and prophecies?
  • The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as a continuation and fulfillment of Jewish tradition by emphasizing his genealogy tracing back to Abraham and David. It uses numerous Old Testament quotations to illustrate how Jesus' life and teachings align with prophetic expectations. This connection not only serves to validate Jesus' identity as the Messiah but also reflects an understanding among early Christians of their faith as rooted deeply in Jewish history.
• Discuss the significance of iconography related to Matthew in Carolingian metalwork and ivory carvings.
  • In Carolingian metalwork and ivory carvings, iconography related to Matthew often includes specific symbols like angels or human figures that convey his role as an evangelist. These artistic representations not only served religious purposes but also illustrated key theological concepts from his Gospel. The detailed imagery helped communicate complex ideas about Jesus’ life and teachings to viewers who might not have been literate, making it crucial for understanding how early Christian messages were conveyed visually.
• Evaluate the impact of Matthew's Gospel on the development of Christian art during the Carolingian period.
  • The impact of Matthew's Gospel on Christian art during the Carolingian period is profound, as it provided a framework for artists to depict biblical narratives that reinforced theological beliefs. Artists drew heavily from Matthew's emphasis on Jesus' teachings and lineage, using symbolism that resonated with both religious communities and individual believers. This artistic tradition not only helped solidify Christian identity but also influenced broader cultural expressions within medieval Europe by integrating scriptural themes into visual art forms that engaged audiences at multiple levels.

Related terms

Gospel: A term used to describe the first four books of the New Testament that detail the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Iconography: The visual imagery and symbolism used in art to represent particular subjects or themes, especially in relation to religious narratives.

Evangelist: A term that refers to the authors of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, who each provided unique accounts of Jesus' life and teachings.