Matthew

Definition

Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, traditionally attributed to Matthew the apostle. This Gospel presents the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and his connection to Jewish traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Matthew's Gospel is structured around five main discourses that reflect the teaching style of a Jewish rabbi, linking Jesus closely to Jewish law and tradition.
2. The opening genealogy in Matthew emphasizes Jesus' royal lineage as a descendant of Abraham and David, reinforcing his identity as the Messiah.
3. Matthew includes unique narratives like the visit of the Magi and the Great Commission, highlighting its distinct theological emphasis.
4. The Gospel places significant importance on ethical teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, which lays out core Christian values.
5. Matthew's emphasis on fulfilled prophecy aims to demonstrate that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of Matthew's Gospel reflect its Jewish context and influence?
  • Matthew's Gospel is structured around five major discourses that parallel the five books of Moses, demonstrating a strong connection to Jewish law and tradition. This arrangement indicates that Matthew intended to portray Jesus not only as a teacher but as a new Moses figure who fulfills and interprets Jewish teachings. The genealogical account in the beginning further emphasizes this connection, establishing Jesus' legitimacy as a descendant of Abraham and David.
• Discuss the significance of the Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel and their impact on Christian ethics.
  • The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:3-12, are foundational teachings that outline the values and attitudes of those who belong to God's kingdom. They counter conventional wisdom by valuing humility, mercy, and righteousness over societal standards like power or wealth. This radical ethical framework shapes Christian moral teachings and encourages believers to embody these principles in their lives, thereby influencing Christian thought and behavior for centuries.
• Evaluate how Matthew's portrayal of Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and its implications for understanding his mission.
  • Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies throughout his Gospel, portraying Jesus as the promised Messiah who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. This portrayal serves not only to validate Jesus’ mission but also reassures Jewish audiences that their messianic expectations are met in him. By intertwining Jesus’ actions and teachings with prophetic texts, Matthew highlights a continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament narrative, underscoring Jesus’ role in God's redemptive plan.

Related terms

Synoptic Gospels: The Synoptic Gospels are the first three Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—known for their similar narratives and viewpoints regarding the life and teachings of Jesus.

Beatitudes: The Beatitudes are a collection of teachings by Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, presenting key principles of Christian ethics.

Parables: Parables are simple stories used by Jesus in the Gospels, including Matthew, to convey moral or spiritual lessons through relatable scenarios.