gospelsMatthew

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the four canonical gospels. Traditionally attributed to Matthew the tax collector, an apostle of Jesus, modern scholarship tends to treat the author as anonymous, composing in Greek for a Jewish-Christian audience sometime around 70–90 CE. The gospel likely relies on earlier sources, including Mark, a collection of sayings known as Q, and material unique to this writer (often labeled M).

Audience and purpose: Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah and fulfillment of Hebrew Scripture, aiming to show continuity with Judaism while interpreting Jesus’ life and mission for a community shaped by faith in him. It emphasizes teaching, authority, and ethical instruction as central to discipleship.

Structure and key content: The book is often said to contain five major discourses that mirror the Torah, including the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7) and a cluster of parables about the kingdom (e.g., chapter 13). The infancy narrative includes a genealogy tracing Jesus from Abraham and David, the virgin birth, the visit of the magi, and the flight to Egypt. The gospel contains accounts of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and the passion, followed by resurrection appearances and the Great Commission.

Distinctive features: It frequently uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven” and cites Hebrew Scripture to demonstrate Jesus’ prophetic fulfillment. It emphasizes Jesus’ role as teacher and interpreter of the Law and presents the church as the community commissioned to continue his work.

Influence: Matthew has profoundly shaped Christian theology, worship, and ethical teaching, especially in areas of mission, community life, and biblical interpretation.