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Introduction to Matthew

Introduction to the Gospels

The Gospels present a four-fold account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. All four Gospels combine historical testimony with theological purpose, while selecting and arranging their material with distinctive emphases. They each have a particular purpose and audience that becomes readily apparent as you read their accounts. Matthew is written primarily to Jews with the intention of presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic hope of Israel in the OT. Mark is written primarily to a Gentile, perhaps Roman, audience with the purpose of presenting the kingdom hope through Jesus as the Servant of the LORD. Luke is written primarily to an individual, Theophilus, presenting the most detailed and chronological account of Jesus, particularly in his humanity. John, quite unique from the other three Gospels, explicitly reveals that he is writing his Gospel so that people might believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Matthew and John were two of the original twelve disciples of Christ. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector. Mark, whose full name was John Mark, was a companion of Paul and a close associate of Peter. Luke, the doctor, who is also the author of Acts, is sometimes a companion of Paul, and was probably the only Gentile of the Gospel writers. John was perhaps the disciple closest to Jesus ("the beloved disciple"), who was commissioned to take care of Jesus' mother at his crucifixion; and he is also the author of the 1,2, and 3 John and the Book of Revelation. How appropriate it is to begin the NT with four perspectives of its central figure, Jesus Christ. Luke explicitly promises an orderly account (Luke 1:3), which need not mean strict chronology at every point. All four writers can arrange material thematically as well as sequentially. It may be helpful to supplement your reading of these Gospels with a chronological "harmony," which brings similar accounts together and all accounts into a chronological timeline.

Here's a Harmony of the Gospels that I would recommend: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Gospels-Students-Life-Christ/dp/B0007DMFW6/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255378048&sr=1-10

Introduction to Matthew

Matthew writes to a Jewish audience, presenting Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the fulfillment of the OT Abrahamic promises and the Eternal Davidic King. Matthew has the greatest number of OT fulfillment references and is most concerned with adherence to Jewish tradition, from genealogy to customs to prophetic fulfillment. As you read, try to see how Matthew builds his case, not only for Jesus as the Messiah, but Jesus as faithful Israel in contrast to unfaithful Israel. He will concatenate events together with select passages to convey this message. Other distinctive features of Matthew are that he alone directly speaks of the church (Matthew 16:18; 18:17), he cites the OT more than any of the other Gospels, and he references "the kingdom of heaven" more than any of the other Gospels, and frequently uses fulfillment formulas such as “that it might be fulfilled.”

Here is one question that I will engage if one of you expresses interest: Why is Matthew the only Gospel writer to mention the "exception clause" ("except for sexual immorality") when speaking of the prohibition of divorce (cf. Matthew 5:31-32; 19:8-9).

Further study: historical, literary, and theological context

Authorship, readers, and the opening genealogy. The Gospel does not name its writer within the narrative, but Constable discusses the early testimony associating it with the apostle Matthew. Its strong engagement with Israel’s Scriptures and customs supports a substantial Jewish context without proving that no Gentiles were intended among its readers. The opening genealogy names Jesus as son of David and son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1), announcing royal and covenant connections before the ministry begins. Read its selected arrangement and named women as part of the presentation, rather than assuming that an ancient genealogy must include every generation in an unbroken modern registry.

Narrative and extended teaching. Matthew combines accounts of Jesus’ actions with major teaching sections, including Matthew 5–7, 10, 13, 18, and 24–25. Constable’s introduction situates the book within the presentation of Jesus as Messiah and King. Repeated conclusions to discourses help readers notice the arrangement (Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). This literary pattern does not make the teaching less historical, but it shows the importance of reading whole sections rather than treating every saying as an independent maxim. The narrative frames what the teaching means for disciples facing allegiance, opposition, and responsibility.

Fulfillment reaches beyond a prediction checklist. Insight for Living emphasizes Matthew’s demonstration that Jesus is Israel’s promised King. Fulfillment includes explicit prophecies and patterns within Israel’s earlier history, such as the movement associated with the exodus and wilderness testing (Matthew 2:15; 4:1–11). The Greek language of fulfillment must therefore be interpreted in each passage, not reduced to one form of prediction. Matthew also shows a mission that reaches beyond Israel, from the visitors at the beginning to the commission to all nations at the end (Matthew 2:1–12; 28:18–20). Jewish particularity and worldwide blessing belong together.

The kingdom and the life of disciples. The ‘kingdom of heaven’ describes God’s rule; the phrase does not simply mean the place people go after death. The Sermon on the Mount addresses character, relationships, prayer, and obedience under that rule (Matthew 5–7). Insight for Living’s royal emphasis helps connect the commands with allegiance to Jesus, whose authority is repeatedly displayed. The church passages concern Christ’s building of His people and their communal responsibilities (Matthew 16:18; 18:15–20). A promise concerning the church should not be detached from the surrounding instruction about humility, correction, mercy, and restored relationships.

The cross, resurrection, and the continuing commission. The passion narrative reveals a King whose mission includes suffering and whose kingship cannot be measured by ordinary displays of power. The resurrection culminates in a claim of comprehensive authority and a command to make disciples, baptize, and teach obedience (Matthew 28:16–20). Christian applications should follow that pattern of learning from Jesus rather than treating His commands as optional additions to belief. Questions concerning the law, divorce, judgment, and future fulfillment require attention to the full argument and parallel passages. Matthew’s enduring summons is allegiance to the risen Lord whose presence accompanies His people.

Additional perspectives from evangelical scholarship

The opening genealogy and final commission belong together. Douglas O’Donnell relates Jesus’ Davidic identity to the worldwide blessing promised through Abraham. Matthew 1:1 introduces both lines of hope, while Matthew 28:18–20 joins authority, the nations, and instructed obedience. This literary connection corrects an overly narrow description of Matthew as concerned only with Jewish readers. The Gentile visitors at the beginning and the commission at the end belong within the same argument: the Messiah of Israel calls disciples from beyond Israel into allegiance to His reign. (TGC commentary)

Citizenship entails a learned way of life. The ESV Global Study Bible emphasizes assurance for disciples facing opposition and Jesus’ fulfillment of the patriarchal promises. Read that assurance alongside the teaching blocks, especially Matthew 5–7. Belonging to the kingdom does not make Jesus’ commands incidental. The commission specifies teaching disciples to observe what He commanded, not merely acquiring converts or transmitting information. Matthew’s narrative therefore connects Christ’s identity, saving work, and the formation of a community that lives under His authority. (ESV introduction)

Sources consulted and further study: Thomas L. Constable, Notes on Matthew (2026) | Insight for Living, Matthew overview | Douglas O’Donnell, Matthew commentary (The Gospel Coalition) | ESV Global Study Bible, Introduction to Matthew. The study notes synthesize these resources and the biblical passages cited in original prose. Named interpretations are distinguished where the sources differ.