1. A Historical & Theological Background to Matthew
An Introduction to the Gospel

2. I. Historical Background
Author: Matthew the tax-collector and apostle, also known as Levi.
Date: Sometime after 70 A.D.
Place of Writing: Two possibilities:
Antioch of Syria
Palestine (Jerusalem?)
Purpose in Writing: To show Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures—He is the Messiah, the King.
Audience/Recipients: mostly Jewish

3. II. Matthew’s Content
Matthew focuses on the Kingdom of God and Jesus as the King.
The Kingdom is for everyone—Jews and Gentiles.
Wise men are from the East—outsiders.
Jesus is the “son of David” (1:1) and therefore heir to the throne and Davidic covenant.
Matthew is organized around 5 speeches of Jesus. This reflects the first 5 books of the OT.
The gospel message is the new “law” or instruction for Christians.

4. II. Matthew’s Content More teaching than in other gospels.
Contains the most parables of any gospel
Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7).
There are more references to the Old Testament —this shows its strong Jewish nature.
Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus.
Birth information is exclusive to Matthew.
Focuses on Joseph’s perspective.
Notice the women mentioned in the list.

5. II. Matthew’s Content
The name “Jesus” appears over 150 times in Matthew (more than the number of times in Mark and Luke combined).
In Matthew, Jesus’ identity is clearly seen (in Mark, it remains hidden).
Born “King of the Jews” (1:54)
The new Moses; he delivers God’s law (ch. 5).
The New Abraham—a blessing for the Gentiles.
The Lord (8:2, 6, 8, 21, 25)
The Teacher of the Law (8:19; 9:11; 12:38).

6. III. Details Found Only in Matthew
The genealogy of Jesus (1:2-17)
Visit of the Magi (2:1-12)
The flight to Egypt and return (2:13-21)
Parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl (13:44-46)
Parable of the net (13:47-50)
The death of Judas (27:3-10)
The guards at the tomb of Jesus and their report (27:62-66; 28:16-20)
The Great Commission (28:16-20)

7. IV. Key Themes in Matthew
1. The “fulfillment” of OT (1:22-23; 2:15; 2:17-18).
2. Mountains: they represent the presence of God, revelation and worship.
Final resistance to Satan is on a mountain (4:8)
Delivers the Sermon on the Mount (5:1)
Feeds the 5,000 (15:32)
Transfiguration on a mountain (17:1)
Commissions his disciples (28:16-20)

8. IV. Key Themes in Matthew
3. Jesus is worshipped in this gospel.
By the Magi (non-Jewish) 2:2, 11.
By the synagogue ruler (9:18)
By the disciples in the boat (14:33)
After the resurrection (28:9, 17)
4. “Kingdom of heaven” occurs over 30 times.
5. “Father”: term used over 50 times; this stresses the love of God.
“Church”: only gospel to use this word (16:16).

9. IV. Key Themes in Matthew
6. Righteousness / Justice (moral teaching).
Hunger and thirst for it (5:6)
It should be first priority (6:33)
Not to be paraded before others (6:1)
It must exceed that of the Pharisees (5:20)
7. Immanuel: “God with us”—is especially important in Matthew.
At his birth (1:23)
Will be with his disciples always (28:20).
There is no ascension of Jesus at the end.