The Gospel of Matthew
Author	Matthew
Date Written	Between AD 50 and 70
Time Span	About 37 years (4 BC-AD 33)
Title	From the book's author: Matthew
Background	The Old Testament ended with the prophets of God predicting the coming of the Anointed One, who would enter history to bring redemption and deliverance to His people. Some 400 years later, the New Testament begins with the book of Matthew revealing the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus Christ, the long?awaited Messiah. Matthew, a Jewish tax collector for the Roman government, is called by Jesus to become one of the Twelve Apostles. Thus, his Gospel often gives an eyewitness account.
Where Written	Possibly at Antioch
To Whom	Primarily to Jews, but also to Gentiles who have become Christians
Content	Matthew's Gospel provides the vital link between the Old and New Testaments. Matthew begins by tracing the genealogy of Jesus through Joseph; the birth of Jesus to the virgin Mary; the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist; and Satan's temptation of Jesus while in the wilderness. Jesus speaks more in Matthew than in the other Gospels, and his teaching discourses include: the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), sending out the Twelve (chapter 10); parables of the Kingdom (chapter 13); fellowship of the Kingdom (chapter 18). During Jesus' final week, His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection take place. Matthew concludes with the call of the Great Commission to all believers.
Themes	Jesus came to save both the Jews and the Gentiles. There is one true God, but with the essence of 3. The standards of God are high, but the example of Jesus is perfect. Christ is sufficient for whatever need we might have. The ways of God are infinitely higher than the ways of the world. Jesus willingly laid down His life to redeem a sinful world.
Key Words	“Fulfillment”, “Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew quotes from almost every book of the Old Testament to solidify further the claim that indeed Jesus is the “fulfillment” of the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. The term “Kingdom of Heaven” is used repeatedly by Matthew to introduce the Good News that God is present in Christ and lives to reign in men's lives. This term appears nowhere else in the New Testament.
Outline	1:1-2:23  Jesus' birth and infancy 3:1- 4:25  The preparation and beginnings of Jesus' ministry 5:1- 7:29  The Sermon on the Mount 8:1- 9:34  Jesus' ministry of miracles 9:35-11:1  Jesus' sending out the Twelve 11:2-25:46  The continuation of Jesus' ministry with claims and parables 26:1-27:56  Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion 27:57-28:20  Jesus' Burial, Resurrection, and Ascension
More	A more extensive Outline of Matthew Audio of the Book of Mathew

Old Testament New Testament Pentateuch Historical Wisdom Prophets Gospels History Pauls Letters General Letters

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