2. Matthew: The Man/ The 1 st Gospel

3. Matthew was a hebrew. The son of Alphaeus. Matthew 9:9 Mark and Luke call Matthew by the name of Levi. Mark2:14/ Luke 5:27 Matthew means( Gift of Yehweh). Levi means(joined or adhesion). He was a tax collector for the Roman govern- ment. Jesus met him in the tax office. Tax gatherer refered to as a publican(sinner). Latin- Publicannus means Roman Tax collector.

4. The Gospel of Matthew Written around A.D. 50-70 Written to orthodox Jews still watching for the Messiah. The central theme of Matthew is the Kingdom of Christ. Mentioned some 56 times. Kingdom- realm,sphere,or domain/ the spirtual realm of God. The Jews were expecting a physical kingdom. Jesus became the King and the faithful are subjects in his kingdom. The kingdom that the Christ will present to the Father in the Spiritual kingdom of Heaven that will last forever with no ending. Matthews gospel is sometimes called the Galileen Gospel, Parables of the Kingdom,and the King and his Kingdom.

5. 3 Divisions of Matthew Messiahs early days- Matt. 1-4:16. Messiahs signs and works-Matt.4:17-16:20 Messiahs Passion- Matt.16:21-28:20