1. G. Edrington N. Jones J. Mcloughlin H. Murphy D. Piedmont

2. Basic Info “First” Gospel Written for Greek Speaking Jewish-Christians Uses terms such as “Preparation Day”, “Phylacteries”( leather hats), “Gehenna” ( hell ) Contains info on Christian ethics (teachings) Contains 80% of Mark’s Gospel Originally written in Greek Written shortly after Mark’s Gospel (80-85 AD) Written near Palestine – many Jews lived there Matthew is described as a tax collector turned Apostle

3. About the Writer Actual author is anonymous Also said to be a Jewish-Christian Scribe Spoke Hebrew and little Aramaic Shows his Jewish background, theology, and thought Possibly knew Matthew personally Wrote the Gospel around 80-85 AD (after Mark)

4. Symbolism and Themes Symbol is a man – Jesus represented as a universal man / savior Meant to present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah Compares Jesus to Moses Judgment – 2 nd Coming of Christ and Last Judgment Judgment – We should always be ready for Jesus’ 2 nd Coming Discipleship – Following Jesus requires suffering & rejection Church – Only Gospel that includes “ekklesia”, meaning Church Right Instruction – Emphasis on teaching prayer and Christian living (Sermon on the Mount)

5. Uniqueness Confirms that Jesus was the Messiah mentioned in the O.T. Confirms that Jesus was God’s son Mentions many nature miracles (Matthew 8:23-27) Contains the Infancy Narratives Portrays Jesus as “Emmanuel” (promised one) Portrays Jesus as “Son of the living God” Most “Jewish” of the 4 Gospels – uses many Jewish terms Mentions the number ‘7’ often – 7 petitions, 7 parables, etc… Only Gospel that mentions “ekklesia” (Church) Mentions Jesus walking on water Mentions the 8 Beatitudes Jesus gave to his disciples

6. Important Passages The 7 parables in Mt 13:35 “…On this rock I shall build my Church…” Mt 16:18 “…He came toward them, walking on the sea.” Mt 14:25 “…and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us”. Mt 1:22-23

7. Infancy Narratives Mentions the homage of the Magi Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem The flight to Egypt The massacre of infants Plotting of King Herod Joseph’s dream about Jesus’ conception Differs from Luke’s infancy narrative

8. Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aevdh76_iz8