Title: “According to Matthew”; Greek, “ Kata Matthaion ”.

Author: The name Matthew means, “Gift of God”. Dual names were common at this time (Peter, Simon – Saul, Paul, - etc…), and there is no doubt that Matthew and Levi is the same person. He was the son of Alphaeus ( Mark 2:14 ; Luke 5:27 ). By birth, he was a Jew; his occupation was a Publican (tax collector). His home was in Capernaum and he was a man of means ( Chap. 9:9-10 ). The last mention of Matthew by name is found in Acts 1:13 .

Characteristics:

 I. It is without a doubt the teaching Gospel. In this respect it greatly supplements Mark, which emphasizes what Jesus did more so than what He said.

 II. Matthew is the Gospel of the church. His is the only Gospel to use the word, “church” ( Chap. 16:18 ; 18:17 ).

 III. Matthew is the Gospel of fulfillment. “That it might be fulfilled” is a re-occurring statement. The many proof texts cited within this work using this formula, help Matthew establish that Jesus is the Messiah of prophecy (see examples: Chap. 2:15 – Hosea 11:1 ; Chap. 2:16 -17 – Jeremiah 31:15 ).

 IV. Matthew is the Gospel of the King. At His birth, the wise men asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” “Son of David” is used 8 times (also see: 25:31; 28:18 ), in this, there can be no doubt that Matthew deliberately presents Jesus as the King!

 V. The book is not set up in chronological order, with the exception of the birth and death of the Lord; but is systematic and topical. The contents are treated in groups: miracles, parables, sermons, etc…

 VI. It is a Jewish Gospel. It was written by a Jew, to Jews, about a Jew!

 VII. It is a Gospel of Jewish antagonism. The teaching of the Messiah comes at a time when the Jews had mired themselves in the teaching and practices of traditionalism. This is not only the frame but the background of all that transpires; ultimately resulting in their rejection of Him and putting Him to death.

Subject: The subject is the kingdom and it's King. It is discussed under four headings (the four P's):

 I. Preparation: 1:1-4:16 .

 II. Preaching: 4:17-16:20 .

 III. Passion: 16:21 -27:66 .

 IV. Perfecting: Chap. 28 .

Good Reading !