The Fabulous Gospel of Matthew
As we dive into the 28 chapters of the gospel of Matthew, I thought it a good idea to share some facts and details about the book’s author! Click here for the 2023 Bible Reading Plan for The River.
One of the Synoptic Gospels
The Book of Matthew is one of the three synoptic gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke have a lot in common, sharing many of the same accounts in the same order, with similar wording. Like any writer, the perspective of the gospels has the influence of the writer.
The Book
The gospel of Matthew was written to the Jewish people. While the book does not specifically name the author, it is widely accepted that Matthew, the former tax collector, penned what would become the first book in the New Testament.
Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and makes a great introduction to the fulfillment of prophecy with the birth of the promised Messiah. This is likely why this gospel is placed first in the New Testament. It is called the bridge book because it ties the Old Testament into the New Testament.
Since the Gospel of Matthew’s writer was a tax collector, the reader may find it interesting that Matthew mentions gold/silver/money 28 times. Mark mentions it once while Luke shares about money four times. In addition, Matthew is the only synoptic gospel that tells the story of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-20)
About the Writer of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew 9:8-11 records that Jesus walked by the tax office where Matthew was and said, “Follow Me!” Matthew got up and then gathered his friends and fellow tax collectors and introduced them to Jesus in verse 10.
Jesus always seems to pick people for important positions that no one else would choose. Matthew would have likely been a good accountant and scribe. Often, the secular skills that we have can be great assets in the Kingdom of God! Jesus found him in a tax office and made his writing ultra-famous!
As a disciple, Matthew would have cast out devils, performed miracles, and was a first-hand witness of the works of Jesus!
6 Trivia/Facts
- Matthew is also known as Levi in the gospels of Mark and Luke.
- Matthew is the only writer who included the tidbit about the magi in the account of the birth of Jesus.
- The book contains more than 130 Old Testament quotes and allusions.
- The “Kingdom of Heaven” is used 55 times in Matthew
- Matthew introduces Jesus as the Messiah!
- There is a marked change after chapter 12 after the Pharisees publically accused the Christ of getting His power from Satan.
Links
Information in the teaching and article was aided by the following articles:
How Do We Know the Bible is True by Focus on the Family
I liked the trivia about Matthew and I had no clue he was also known as Levi.
I hate to admit it…but I didn’t know it either. I was as shocked as you. HA!
I think this is going to be a great study.
Thank you, Tina! You are a wonderful student! Let’s do this!