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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF MATTHEW
I. CONTENTS of the Book: the life of Jesus – part of
what He did and taught. He did too much for all of it to be recorded (John
21:25).
It records events from Jesus’ birth (ch. 1) to His
resurrection and giving of the Great Commission (ch. 28). This covers events
from about 4 B.C. to A.D. 30.
It is probably the most often read book in the New
Testament. Why? Because it is the first one in the New Testament. Many people
begin reading the New Testament with the plan of reading it all the way
through. Often such a plan is not carried out, and when they start afresh,
they begin with the book of Matthew.
II. WRITER: Matthew
He is also called "Levi" (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27).
He was a tax collector (Matthew 9:9).
He was an apostle (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18).
He forsook all in order to follow Jesus (Luke 5:27-29).
III. WHEN WRITTEN: Some time before A.D. 70, as it
records Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple
(chapter 24), but does not record the fulfillment of such.
IV. FOR WHOM WRITTEN: mainly the Jews.
It begins by showing that Jesus is the son of David and
Abraham (1:1). This was of great significance to the Jews, because they knew
that the Messiah must be the offspring or seed of both Abraham (Genesis 22:18)
and David (2 Samuel 7:12-14; Isaiah 9:6,7).
Matthew frequently quotes from the Old Testament, showing
how prophecies about the Messiah were fulfilled in the life and work of Jesus.
Matthew emphasizes the mission of Jesus to the Jews (15:24;
10:5,6).
Though emphasis is on the Jews and Jesus’ mission to
them, Gentiles are also noted throughout (1:5; 2:1-12; 8:11,12; 12:18,21).
V. PURPOSE:
To show that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament
prophecies about the Messiah: Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ.
To show that Jesus is King (21:5).
To show that Jesus is the Son of God (16:16; John
20:30,31).
To show that some traditions of the Jews regarding Jesus
are false (cf. 28:11-15 – paying the guards of His tomb to lie).
VI. GENERAL OUTLINE of the book:
Genealogy, birth and early childhood of Jesus (1:1-2:23).
Events that took place just before Jesus began His public
ministry (3:1-4:11).
The preaching of John the Baptizer (3:1-12).
The baptism of Jesus (3:13-17).
The temptation of Jesus (4:1-11).
The period of Jesus’ public preaching (4:12-20:34).
His Preaching in Galilee (4:12-18:35).
His preaching in Perea (19:1-20:16).
On the way to Jerusalem (20:17-34).
The last week of Jesus’ life and events that followed His
death (21:1-28:20).
His last week, His death and His burial (21:1-27:66).
His resurrection and the Great Commission (28:1-20)
Note the following general divisions of the book of
Matthew:
Chs. 1-4 are written chronologically.
Chs. 5-13 are written by topic.
Chs 14-28 are written chronologically.
VII. FREQUENTLY USED WORDS AND PHRASES:
"Fulfilled" – at least 13 times (1:22;
2:15,17,23; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14,35; 21:4; 26:54,56; 27:9).
"It is written" – at least 9 times (2:5;
4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; 26:24,31).
"Have ye not read" – at least 6 times (12:3,5;
19:4; 21:16,42; 22:31).
"Kingdom" – about 55 times:
"Kingdom of God" – at least 5 times (6:33;
12:28; 19:24; 21:31,43).
"Kingdom of heaven" – at least 30 times (3:2:
4:17; 5:3,10,19,20; 7:21; 8:11; 10:7; 11:11,12; 13:11,24,31, 33,44,45,47,52;
16:19; 18:1,3,4,23; 19:12,14,23; 20:1; 22:2; 23:13; 25:1).
"Son of David" – at least 10 times (1:1; 9:27;
12:23; 15:22; 20:30,31; 21:9,15; 22:42,45).
VIII. HOW JESUS IS DESCRIBED:
Jesus (1:1,21; 2:1).
The Christ (1:1,16; 2:4; 16:16,20)
Emmanuel (1:23).
Son of David (cf. verses listed above).
Son of Abraham (1:1).
King of the Jews (2:2).
Son of God (2:15; 3:17; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 27:54).
Governor/ruler (2:6).
Lord (21:3; 26:22; 28:6).
Beloved Son (3:17; 17:5).
Son of man (8:20; 9:6; 11:19; 16:13; 20:28; 24:27).
Prophet (21:11,46)
King (21:5).
14) Head corner stone (21:42).
IX. FULFILLED PROPHECIES RE: JESUS.
Verse(s) in Matthew – O.T. Passage –
Event
1:1,6 - 2 Sam. 7:12-14 - Descendant of David.
1:1 - Gen. 22:18 - Descendant of Abraham.
1:2 - Gen. 26:4 - Descendant of Isaac.
1:2 - Gen. 28:14 - Descendant of Jacob.
1:2,3 - Gen. 49:10 - Descendant of Judah.
1:18-25 - Isa. 7:14 - Born of a virgin.
2:1 – Mic. 5:2 - Born in Bethlehem.
2:14 – Hos. 11:1 - Called out of Egypt.
2:16-18 - Jer. 31:15 - Rachel weeping.
4:12-16 – Isa. 9:1,2 - Preaching in Galilee.
8:16,17 – Isa. 53:4,5 - He took our infirmities and bare
our sicknesses.
12:17-21 – Isa. 42:1-4 - Servant of the Lord in whose name
the Gentiles shall trust.
13:34,35 – Psa. 78:2 - Spoke in parables.
21:4-6 - Zech. 9:9 - Enter Zion riding an ass.
26:14-16 – Psa. 41:9 - Betrayed by a friend.
26:15 - Zech. 11:12 - Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.
26:62,63 – Isa. 53:12 - Opened not His mouth when He
suffered.
27:3-10 - Zech. 11:13 - 30 pieces of silver used to buy
potter's field.
27:38 – Isa. 53:12 - Condemned with transgressors.
27:57-60 – Isa. 53:9 - Was with the rich in His death.
28:9 – Psa. 16:10 - Resurrection from dead.
X. RECORDED MIRACLES OF JESUS:
Total of 20 miracles recorded, three of which are found
only in Matthew.
Those miracles found only in Matthew:
Healing of 2 blind men (9:27-31).
Healing of a dumb man possessed with a demon (9:32-34).
He predicted that Peter would find a coin in a fish’s
mouth (17:24-27).
XII. RECORDED PARABLES OF JESUS:
While it is difficult in some cases to decide what should
be called a parable, there are about 15 total parables in this book, 10 of
which are recorded only in Matthew.
Those parables found only in Matthew:
Tares (ch. 13).
The hidden treasure (ch. 13).
The pearl of great price (ch. 13).
The net (ch. 13).
The unmerciful servant (ch. 18).
Laborers in the vineyard (20).
The two sons (ch. 21).
Marriage of the king’s son (ch. 22).
The ten virgins (ch. 25).
The talents (ch. 25).
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Note: I’ve prepared this material through the years. I am
unable to name the source of all the helps, rdc.
-- Roger Campbell
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