The Book of Matthew

Posted on by Dave
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A Book of Matthew bible study that I wrote. Matthew Bible Study

Here are some others to look at. The Gospel Coalition / Bible Project / Study and Obey

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and serves as a bridge between the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Rich in symbolism, prophecy fulfillment, and structured teaching, it is one of the most studied and quoted texts in Christianity.

Historical Background and Authorship

Traditionally, the Gospel is attributed to Matthew the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew was a tax collector—considered a controversial and often despised profession in first-century Jewish society—before being called by Jesus to follow Him.

Scholars debate the exact authorship and date, but most agree it was written between 70–100 AD. The Gospel appears to have been written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience, evident in its frequent references to Hebrew Scriptures and emphasis on Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Purpose and Themes of the Book of Matthew

Matthew’s central goal is to present Jesus as the King and Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. It emphasizes that Jesus fulfills ancient prophecies, connecting His life directly to Jewish expectations.

Key Themes:

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy
  • The Kingdom of Heaven (a phrase used over 30 times)
  • Jesus as King and Teacher
  • Righteousness and Obedience
  • Judgment and Salvation

Structure of the Gospel

Matthew is carefully organized into five major teaching sections, possibly mirroring the five books of Moses.

1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus (Chapters 1–2)

Matthew begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and King David, establishing His royal and covenantal credentials.

It includes:

  • The virgin birth of Jesus
  • Visit of the Magi
  • King Herod’s massacre of infants
  • Flight into Egypt

2. The Beginning of Ministry (Chapters 3–4)

  • Ministry of John the Baptist
  • Baptism of Jesus
  • Temptation in the wilderness by Satan
  • Start of Jesus’ public ministry

3. The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5–7)

This is one of the most famous teachings in the Bible.

Key Elements:

  • The Beatitudes (“Blessed are the poor in spirit…”)
  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Ethical teachings on anger, lust, and love
  • Golden Rule

This section defines the moral vision of the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. Miracles and Authority (Chapters 8–10)

Matthew presents Jesus performing miracles to demonstrate divine authority:

  • Healing the sick
  • Calming storms
  • Casting out demons

Jesus also sends out His twelve disciples to preach and heal.

5. Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)

Matthew collects several parables explaining the Kingdom of Heaven:

  • The Parable of the Sower
  • The Mustard Seed
  • The Hidden Treasure

These stories reveal spiritual truths in symbolic form.

6. Conflict and Rejection (Chapters 14–23)

As Jesus’ ministry progresses, opposition grows—especially from religious leaders like the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Notable events:

  • Feeding of the 5,000
  • Walking on water
  • Peter’s confession of Christ
  • Teachings on humility and forgiveness

7. The Olivet Discourse (Chapters 24–25)

Jesus delivers a prophetic teaching about:

  • The end times
  • Judgment
  • The coming Kingdom

Includes parables like:

  • The Ten Virgins
  • The Talents

8. Passion, Death, and Resurrection (Chapters 26–28)

The climax of the Gospel:

  • The Last Supper
  • Betrayal by Judas
  • Crucifixion
  • Burial and resurrection

The book concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to spread His teachings to all nations.

Unique Features of the Book of Matthew

1. Strong Old Testament Connections

Matthew quotes or references the Old Testament over 60 times, more than any other Gospel.

2. “Kingdom of Heaven”

Unlike other Gospels, Matthew uses this phrase instead of “Kingdom of God,” likely out of respect for Jewish traditions.

3. Structured Teaching

The Gospel’s organized format makes it particularly useful for teaching and discipleship.

Theological Significance

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as:

  • The New Moses (giver of a new law)
  • The Son of David (royal heir)
  • The Son of God

It emphasizes that true righteousness comes not just from following laws, but from a transformed heart.

Influence and Legacy

The Gospel of Matthew has had a profound impact on:

  • Christian theology
  • Western ethics
  • Literature and art

Teachings like the Sermon on the Mount continue to shape moral philosophy, influencing thinkers, leaders, and movements throughout history.

Conclusion

The Book of Matthew is more than a biography—it is a theological masterpiece designed to show that Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Messiah and King. Through its careful structure, deep symbolism, and powerful teachings, it invites readers to understand the nature of God’s Kingdom and their place within it.

Whether studied for faith, history, or literature, Matthew remains one of the most significant and influential texts ever written.