INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW
The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the three synoptic gospels. It is a foundational text for Christian theology, presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. This gospel is particularly known for its emphasis on Jesus’ teachings and its structured presentation of his life and ministry.
Authorship and Date
Traditionally, the Gospel of Matthew has been attributed to Matthew, also known as Levi, a former tax collector who became one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. According to early church tradition, Matthew wrote this gospel in the Hebrew language, which was later translated into Greek. However, modern scholarship often suggests that the gospel was written anonymously by a Jewish-Christian author familiar with Jewish customs and scripture. The date of composition is generally placed between 70 and 90 AD, after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple.
Audience and Purpose
Matthew’s gospel was likely written for a Jewish-Christian audience. The text aims to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah, the rightful heir to the throne of David, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. It seeks to bridge the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing continuity with Jewish tradition while also addressing the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. The gospel encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite opposition and to embrace their role in spreading the message of Jesus.
Key Themes
– Jesus as the Messiah: Matthew portrays Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing his messianic role and divine authority.
– Kingdom of Heaven: The gospel frequently references the “kingdom of heaven,” highlighting Jesus’ teachings about God’s reign and the ethical demands of discipleship.
– Jewish Tradition: Matthew underscores the importance of Jewish law and tradition, presenting Jesus as a teacher who deepens and fulfills the law.
– Inclusivity: While rooted in Jewish tradition, the gospel also opens the door for Gentile inclusion, reflecting the early church’s expanding mission.
Structure
The Gospel of Matthew is organized into several distinct sections:
1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus (Chapters 1-2): Genealogy, birth narrative, and early events.
2. Preparation for Ministry (Chapters 3-4): John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, and temptation.
3. Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7): Jesus’ foundational teachings.
4. Miracles and Ministry (Chapters 8-9): Demonstrations of Jesus’ power and compassion.
5. Mission of the Disciples (Chapter 10): Instructions and commissioning of the twelve apostles.
6. Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13): Teaching through parables.
7. Journey to Jerusalem (Chapters 16-20): Predictions of suffering and teachings on discipleship.
8. Passion and Resurrection (Chapters 26-28): The arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. His background as a tax collector, a profession often despised in Jewish society, highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ call. After his conversion, Matthew left his previous life to follow Jesus and later became a key figure in the early Christian community.
Historical and Traditional Accounts
According to tradition, Matthew preached the gospel in Judea before traveling to other regions, possibly including Ethiopia and Persia. His exact fate remains uncertain, with some accounts suggesting he died a natural death while others propose he was martyred. Matthew is often symbolized by an angel in Christian art and is considered the patron saint of tax collectors and accountants.
Contributions to the Gospel
Matthew’s gospel is distinguished by its detailed genealogy of Jesus, its extensive use of Old Testament quotations, and its structured presentation of Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount. These elements reflect Matthew’s deep engagement with Jewish tradition and his effort to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes and prophecies.
In summary, the Gospel of Matthew serves as a vital link between the Old and New Testaments, offering a compelling portrait of Jesus as the Messiah and a guide for Christian discipleship. Matthew, the evangelist, provides a unique perspective shaped by his background and his transformative encounter with Jesus.
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1. Why is the Gospel of Matthew placed first among the four Gospels even though it was not the first written?
The Gospel of Matthew is placed first because of its theological role as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It opens with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage to Abraham and David, which immediately situates Jesus within Israel’s covenant history. Early Christians, especially those from Jewish backgrounds, found Matthew to be the most natural introduction to the life and teaching of Jesus because it presents Him as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. For this reason, the Church arranged it first to show continuity rather than chronology.
2. To whom was the Gospel of Matthew primarily written?
The Gospel of Matthew was primarily written for Jewish Christians. This is evident from its frequent quotations from the Old Testament, its concern with the Law of Moses, and its careful explanation of Jesus as the promised Messiah. Jewish customs are often mentioned without explanation, suggesting that the original audience was already familiar with them.
3. Why do some early authors say that Matthew wrote his Gospel in Hebrew?
Early Church Fathers such as Papias and Irenaeus state that Matthew originally composed his Gospel in “Hebrew,” most likely referring to Aramaic, the common spoken language of the Jews in Palestine during the time of Jesus. Matthew’s aim was to make the message of Jesus accessible to Jewish believers in their own language. The Greek version we possess today is inspired and authoritative, but the tradition of a Semitic original highlights the Gospel’s strong Jewish character.
4. Why do many scholars claim that the Gospel of Matthew was finalized after 70 AD?
Some scholars date the final form of Matthew after 70 AD because the Gospel contains clear references to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, events that occurred in that year. Additionally, the Gospel reflects tensions between Jewish Christians and synagogue authorities, which intensified after the Temple’s destruction. From a Catholic perspective, these references do not deny prophecy but affirm Jesus’ divine foreknowledge and the Gospel’s pastoral guidance for a community living through crisis and transition.
5. Why does Matthew quote the Old Testament more than the other Gospels?
Matthew quotes the Old Testament extensively to show that Jesus fulfills the promises, prophecies, and hopes of Israel. He frequently uses fulfillment formulas to connect events in Jesus’ life with Scripture. This approach reassures Jewish believers that faith in Christ is rooted firmly in God’s earlier revelation.
6. Why is Jesus presented as a new Moses in the Gospel of Matthew?
Matthew deliberately portrays Jesus as a new and greater Moses. Jesus delivers authoritative teaching from a mountain, interprets the Law with divine authority, and structures His teachings into five major discourses, echoing the five books of Moses. This presentation shows that Jesus does not abolish the Law but brings it to completion.
7. Why does Matthew prefer the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” instead of “Kingdom of God”?
Out of reverence for the divine name, Jewish tradition often avoided direct mention of God. Matthew follows this custom by using the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven,” which conveys the same meaning as “Kingdom of God” while respecting Jewish sensitivities. This choice further confirms the Gospel’s Jewish orientation.
8. What advantage did Matthew’s profession as a tax collector give him in documenting the teachings of Jesus?
As a tax collector, Matthew was trained in record-keeping, organization, and attention to detail. These skills are reflected in the structured and systematic way he presents Jesus’ teachings. His Gospel carefully arranges sayings and discourses, making it especially valuable for teaching and catechesis. His personal conversion also highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ call.
9. Why does the Gospel of Matthew emphasize teaching more than narrative action?
Matthew’s Gospel is deeply catechetical. Large sections are devoted to Jesus’ teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the parables of the Kingdom. This emphasis suggests that the Gospel was intended to instruct the early Christian community in how to live as disciples of Christ.
10. Why is the Church and its authority highlighted more clearly in Matthew than in other Gospels?
Matthew alone records Jesus’ explicit reference to the Church and Peter’s role within it. This reflects an early and clear understanding of the Church as a visible, structured community founded by Christ. The Gospel offers guidance on discipline, forgiveness, and leadership, showing how the teachings of Jesus were to be lived out within the Christian community.
11. How should the Gospel of Matthew be understood by Christians today?
The Gospel of Matthew invites believers to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and to live according to His teachings. It calls Christians to faithfulness, righteousness, and trust in God’s Kingdom, even in times of uncertainty. By grounding Christian life in both Scripture and tradition, Matthew continues to serve as a foundational Gospel for teaching, preaching, and discipleship.