Gospel: “Good tidings” “Good report” “Good news” Matthew Gospel: “Good tidings” “Good report” “Good news”

Synoptic Gospels Syn: together with Optic: seeing Matthew, Mark, Luke = Seeing together Matthew, Mark, Luke Common views Emphasize different points for different audiences Essential to read Matthew first, however Along with John, make up the “four pillars” of the Christian church

Matthew Probably Matthew Levi, the Apostle Disagreement about date written: Anywhere from 50 – 80 A.D. Purpose of book: Proclaim that God’s end-times ruler has come in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ; Prove that Jesus Christ is the Messiah that fulfills OT prophecies, etc.

Audience: Text is rather “Jewish” in nature, and it begins with the Jewish genealogy, therefore probably written to Greek-speaking Jews (and Gentiles) in Syria and Palestine. (Remember the Diaspora?) However, the message is that God’s grace is complete and universal, not strictly meant to be for Jews Four women in genealogy Gentiles honor baby Jesus Jesus and parents find protection in Gentile land Includes Gentiles in His kingdom Great Commission given to all

Themes Law Themes: God’s rule in judgment; repentance; political and religious opposition; authoritative teaching; confronting a brother who sins Gospel Themes: God’s rule in mercy; Gospel; Baptism; compassion; authoritative teaching; ransom; Lord’s Supper; forgiving a brother who sins

Emphasis Jesus fulfilled God’s dealing with Old Testament people Son of David; true king of Israel Jesus is the mighty judge whose return on Last Day will usher in both final salvation for all God’s people and final judgment for all God’s enemies (gulp!) Until the age’s consummation, the disciples of the Son of God are to occupy themselves with extending Jesus’ own mission to save both Jew and Gentile (see the Great Commission: Matt. 28)

Organization Has 5 sermons (or discourses): 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 24-25 3 sections: Person of Jesus Christ 1:1 – 4:16 Proclamation and Ministry to Israel 4:17 – 16:20 Suffering, Death, Resurrection for Israel and all 16:21 – 28:20

Religious and Political Leaders of Jesus’ Day Scribes: Jewish experts at the interpretation of Scripture Rabbis: Jewish teachers who passed on the scribes’ interpretations Pharisees: A strict Jewish religious party who understood Scripture as literal, but sought to interpret it using oral traditions

…con’t. Sadducees: Wealthy, upper-class descendants of the Jewish high priestly line who rejected the Old Testament except for the five books of Moses Herodians: A political party of King Herod’s supporters Zealots: A fiercely patriotic group of Jews determined to overthrow Roman rule