Matthew’s Gospel
Matthew’s Gospel
Author of Matthew’s Gospel
Traditional View
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Traditionally attributed to Matthew.
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Matthew was one of the Twelve Disciples.
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Also known as Levi.
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Former tax collector before following Jesus.
Evidence
Early Church Tradition
Early Christians consistently attributed the Gospel to Matthew.
Modern View
Some scholars believe:
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Gospel may have been written by Matthew or by followers using Matthew’s teachings and traditions.
Importance
Regardless of authorship, the Gospel became an authoritative account of Jesus’ life and teachings.
Date of Writing
Most Likely Period
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Approximately AD 70–90.
Historical Context
Written after:
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Jesus’ death.
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Resurrection.
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Early growth of Christianity.
Importance
Reflects a period when Christianity was becoming distinct from mainstream Judaism.
Intended Audience
Primary Audience
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Jewish Christians.
Evidence
Matthew frequently:
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Quotes Old Testament.
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Refers to Jewish customs.
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Emphasises fulfilment of prophecy.
Importance
Shows Matthew wanted Jewish readers to recognise Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Main Purpose of Matthew’s Gospel
To Prove Jesus Is The Messiah
Matthew repeatedly demonstrates:
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Jesus fulfils Old Testament prophecies.
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Jesus is God’s promised deliverer.
To Present Jesus As King
Matthew emphasises:
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Royal authority.
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Kingdom of God.
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Davidic ancestry.
To Teach Christians
Provides:
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Teachings of Jesus.
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Moral guidance.
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Instructions for discipleship.
To Strengthen Faith
Encourages believers to trust Jesus as Messiah and Son of God.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Major Characteristics of Matthew’s Gospel
Fulfilment of Prophecy
Key Feature
Matthew constantly links Jesus with Old Testament prophecies.
Examples
Virgin Birth
Reference
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Matthew 1:22–23
Prophecy fulfilled:
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Isaiah 7:14
Birth in Bethlehem
Reference
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Matthew 2:5–6
Prophecy fulfilled:
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Micah 5:2
Flight to Egypt
Reference
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Matthew 2:14–15
Prophecy fulfilled:
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Hosea 11:1
Importance
Matthew wants readers to see:
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God’s plan unfolding.
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Jesus as promised Messiah.
Jesus as Son of David
Reference
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Matthew 1:1
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Matthew 9:27
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Matthew 21:9
Meaning
Connects Jesus to:
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King David.
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Davidic Covenant.
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Messianic expectations.
Importance
Strengthens claim that Jesus is Messiah.
Jesus as New Moses
Similarities
Escape From Danger
Moses:
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Escaped Pharaoh.
Jesus:
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Escaped Herod.
Mountain Teaching
Moses:
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Received Law on Mount Sinai.
Jesus:
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Delivered Sermon on the Mount.
Reference
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Matthew 5–7
Authority
Moses:
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Gave Law.
Jesus:
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Interprets and fulfils Law.
Importance
Matthew presents Jesus as greater than Moses.
Jesus as King
Evidence
Genealogy
Reference
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Matthew 1:1–17
Traces ancestry through:
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David.
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Abraham.
Visit of the Magi
Reference
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Matthew 2:1–12
Magi seek:
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“King of the Jews.”
Triumphal Entry
Reference
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Matthew 21:1–11
Jesus enters Jerusalem as king.
Importance
Matthew strongly emphasises royal Messiahship.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Major Teaching Sections in Matthew
Sermon on the Mount
Reference
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Matthew 5–7
Contents
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Beatitudes.
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Prayer.
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Forgiveness.
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Love for enemies.
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Kingdom living.
Importance
Most important collection of Jesus’ teachings.
Mission Discourse
Reference
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Matthew 10
Contents
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Instructions to disciples.
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Evangelism.
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Challenges of discipleship.
Parables of the Kingdom
Reference
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Matthew 13
Contents
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Sower.
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Mustard Seed.
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Yeast.
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Hidden Treasure.
Importance
Explains Kingdom of God.
Community Teaching
Reference
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Matthew 18
Contents
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Forgiveness.
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Humility.
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Relationships within Church.
Olivet Discourse
Reference
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Matthew 24–25
Contents
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End times.
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Judgement.
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Return of Christ.
Important Themes in Matthew
Kingdom of Heaven
Unique Phrase
Matthew frequently uses:
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“Kingdom of Heaven.”
Instead of:
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Kingdom of God.
Importance
Major theme throughout Gospel.
Discipleship
Teaching
Following Jesus requires:
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Obedience.
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Commitment.
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Sacrifice.
Reference
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Matthew 16:24–26
Righteousness
Importance
True righteousness involves:
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Heart.
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Motives.
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Actions.
Reference
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Matthew 5–7
Judgement
Matthew emphasises:
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Accountability.
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Final judgement.
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Rewards and punishments.
References
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Matthew 25:31–46
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Matthew 7:21–23
Universal Mission
Initially Focused on Israel
Jesus’ ministry centred on Jews.
Eventually Extended to All Nations
Reference
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Matthew 28:18–20
Importance
Christianity becomes worldwide mission.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Unique Features of Matthew
Genealogy of Jesus
Reference
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Matthew 1:1–17
Importance
Connects Jesus to:
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Abraham.
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David.
Visit of the Magi
Reference
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Matthew 2:1–12
Unique to Matthew.
Flight Into Egypt
Reference
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Matthew 2:13–15
Unique emphasis on fulfilment of prophecy.
Massacre of the Innocents
Reference
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Matthew 2:16–18
Unique to Matthew.
Guard at the Tomb
Reference
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Matthew 27:62–66
Unique account.
Examination Focus
Why Was Matthew Written?
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Demonstrate Jesus is Messiah.
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Strengthen Christian faith.
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Teach discipleship.
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Show fulfilment of prophecy.
Why Is Matthew Important For Jewish Readers?
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Frequent Old Testament quotations.
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Emphasis on prophecy.
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Strong connection to David and Abraham.
How Does Matthew Present Jesus?
Messiah
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Fulfils prophecy.
Son of David
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Royal descendant.
New Moses
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Greater teacher.
Son of God
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Divine authority.
King
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Ruler of God’s Kingdom.
Key References to Remember
Genealogy
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Matthew 1:1–17
Birth Narrative
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Matthew 1–2
Sermon on the Mount
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Matthew 5–7
Peter’s Declaration
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Matthew 16:13–20
Transfiguration
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Matthew 17:1–13
Triumphal Entry
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Matthew 21:1–11
Great Commission
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Matthew 28:18–20
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change