Matthew’s Gospel
Topic 5: Matthew’s Gospel – Audience, Purpose and Portrayal of Jesus
Author
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.
Modern View
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Exact author uncertain.
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Early Church strongly associated Gospel with Matthew.
Date of Writing
Approximate Date
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AD 70–90.
Historical Context
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Written after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
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Written after destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
Intended Audience
Primary Audience
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Jewish Christians.
Evidence
Frequent Old Testament Quotations
Examples:
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“This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the prophet.”
Occurs repeatedly throughout the Gospel.
Jewish Customs Often Assumed
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Reader expected to understand Jewish traditions.
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Reader expected to understand Jewish festivals.
Focus on Messianic Prophecies
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Constant links between Jesus and Old Testament predictions.
Main Purpose of Matthew’s Gospel
To Prove Jesus Is The Messiah
Matthew continually demonstrates:
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Jesus fulfils Old Testament prophecy.
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Jesus is God’s promised Messiah.
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Jesus is descendant of David.
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Jesus fulfils Jewish expectations.
To Strengthen Jewish Christians
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Encourage faith in Jesus.
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Demonstrate continuity with Judaism.
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Explain why Jesus should be accepted as Messiah.
To Present Jesus As God’s King
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Kingdom of Heaven major theme.
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Jesus portrayed as divine ruler.
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
Portrayal of Jesus in Matthew
Jesus as Messiah
Evidence
Genealogy
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Traces ancestry to Abraham.
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Traces ancestry to David.
Significance:
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Connects Jesus to Jewish covenant.
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Connects Jesus to Messianic promises.
Fulfilment Formula
Matthew repeatedly states:
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Prophecies fulfilled in Jesus.
Examples:
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Birth in Bethlehem.
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Flight into Egypt.
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Ministry in Galilee.
Importance
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Central theme of Gospel.
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Supports claim that Jesus is promised Messiah.
Jesus as Son of David
Meaning
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Descendant of King David.
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Expected Messianic title.
Importance
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Fulfils covenant with David.
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Demonstrates royal authority.
Examples
People frequently call Jesus:
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“Son of David.”
Especially during healing miracles.
Jesus as Son of God
Evidence
Baptism
Voice from Heaven declares:
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“This is my beloved Son.”
Transfiguration
Voice again confirms:
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Divine Sonship.
Resurrection
Ultimate confirmation of divine identity.
Jesus as Teacher
Major Teaching Sections
Matthew contains five major teaching blocks.
Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5–7
Mission Discourse
Matthew 10
Parables of the Kingdom
Matthew 13
Community Teaching
Matthew 18
Teaching About End Times
Matthew 24–25
Importance
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Jesus portrayed as greatest teacher.
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New Moses figure.
Jesus as New Moses
Similarities
Moses
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Escaped death as infant.
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Delivered God’s law.
Jesus
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Escaped Herod’s massacre.
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Delivered God’s teaching.
Significance
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Matthew presents Jesus as greater than Moses.
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
Jesus as King
Kingdom of Heaven
Major phrase unique to Matthew.
Characteristics
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God’s rule.
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Spiritual kingdom.
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Present and future reality.
Triumphal Entry
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Jesus enters Jerusalem as king.
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Fulfils prophecy.
Importance
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Demonstrates royal authority.
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Shows fulfilment of Messianic expectations.
Jesus as Saviour
Birth Narrative
Angel announces:
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Jesus will save people from sins.
Crucifixion
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Central act of salvation.
Resurrection
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Demonstrates victory over death.
Jesus and the Law
Not Abolishing the Law
Jesus teaches:
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He came to fulfil the Law.
Deepening the Law
Examples:
Murder
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Anger also condemned.
Adultery
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Lust also condemned.
Significance
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Focus on inner righteousness.
Major Themes in Matthew
Fulfilment
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Jesus fulfils prophecy.
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Jesus fulfils covenant promises.
Kingdom of Heaven
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Most important theme.
Discipleship
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Following Jesus requires commitment.
Judgement
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God will judge humanity.
Righteousness
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True obedience comes from the heart.
Important Events Unique or Emphasised by Matthew
Visit of the Magi
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Wise men from East.
Flight into Egypt
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Escape from Herod.
Guard at the Tomb
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Unique resurrection detail.
Great Commission
Matthew 28
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Make disciples of all nations.
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
Examination Focus
Why Was Matthew Written?
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To prove Jesus is Messiah.
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To encourage Jewish Christians.
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To demonstrate fulfilment of prophecy.
How Does Matthew Portray Jesus?
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Messiah.
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Son of David.
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Son of God.
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King.
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Teacher.
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Saviour.
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New Moses.
Why Is Fulfilment Important?
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Central argument of Gospel.
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Links Old Testament with Jesus.
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Strengthens Christian belief.
Key Terms
Messiah
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God’s promised deliverer.
Son of David
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Messianic title linked to Davidic covenant.
Kingdom of Heaven
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God’s rule over creation.
Fulfilment
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Completion of Old Testament prophecy.
Great Commission
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Command to spread Gospel to all nations.
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