Step By Step Through the New Testament

Rev. Christopher J. RespassAntioch Bible Institute

Fall 2013

Lesson 5Matthew: Prolegomena & Special

Characteristics

I. General

Listed first in the NT, Matthew was thought to be the first gospel written. Contemporary scholars believe, however, that Mark was written first. Yet, Matthew has historically been the most quoted of the gospels, dating back to the 2nd Century AD. Matthew’s gospel is written with a Jewish audience in mind.

Matthew: Prolegomena

II. Author: Matthew, the tax-collector (Matt. 9:9, Mark 2:13-14).

1. The early Christian church attributed this gospel to the Apostle Matthew.

2. Other clues/reasons: a) Matthew wasn’t a prominent disciple, yet the book is attributed to him.

Matthew: Prolegomena

b) Tax-collectors were looked upon with disdain.

c) The organization of the gospel points to the organization necessary to be a tax- collector.

Matthew: Prolegomena

III. Date of Matthew: Between 60-70 AD

1. No mention of the destruction of Jerusalem (70AD).

2. If Jerusalem had been destroyed at the time it was written, Jewish evangelism would have been more difficult.

3. Only gospel writer to mention “church” (Matt. 18:17).

Matthew: Prolegomena

IV. Theme & Purpose. Matthew does not include a purpose statement, so the purpose of the gospel must be inferred from his writings.

1. A teaching manual for Christians2. Present Jesus as the Messiah and fulfillment of OT prophecy.3. Reach unbelieving Jews4. Present the inauguration of the eschatological Kingdom of God.

Matthew: Prolegomena

I. Synoptic Gospel. Matthew, Mark and Luke all share the same view of Jesus and share common accounts of Jesus’ life and actions. Thus, they are referred to as “synoptic” (“see together”) .

II. Emphasizes Miracles. Matthew often followed a teaching of Jesus with a description of his miracles.

Matthew: Special Characteristics

Matthew: Special Characteristics

III. Genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:1-17)A. 42 generations separated in triads of 14.

B. This was used to show that Jesus was a direct line of descent from Joseph, David and Abraham.

C. All of this information would have been compelling to Jewish readers.

Matthew: Special Characteristics

IV. The Virgin Birth (Matt. 1:18-25)A. “Betrothal” was a type of fixed engagement that required a divorce for its termination.

B. God communicates—angels, dreams1. God still speaks to us primarily

through his word.2. God’s ability to communicate is

not hindered by our theological understanding.

Matthew: Special Characteristics

C. No sex till marriage…and the birth of the Savior.

1. Joseph maintained Mary’s honor2. Marriage was not consummated

until after the birth of Jesus.3. Contrary to RCC doctrine, Mary

was not a perpetual virgin (Matt. 1:25, Matt. 13:55-56).

Matthew: Special Characteristics

V. The Temptations of Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11)A. Satan/Devil is an accuser of the brothers (Rev. 12:10).B. Jesus was tempted through normal human desire not via a sin nature—he had no sin.C. Issues at the heart of Jesus’ Temptations

1. Obedience to God2. Trust in God3. Personal Ambition

Matthew: Special Characteristics