The Book of Matthew

Here are some important things to think about as we begin the book of Matthew...

Matthew is one of the Synoptic Gospels

NT does not call them Gospels, this was a latter word used to describe them.

GENRE

- Biographical- yes in Greaco-Roman antiquity it would be considered this

DATE

Written between 80-100 A.D.

AUDIENCE

Written for Jews and Gentiles

One thought is that Matthew originated in Antioch which was a Gentile town with a lot of Jews living there. “Antioch did boast a very large Jewish atmosphere and yet looks upon the Gentile mission in a most favorable light.”

“Matthew wrote his gospel with certain kinds of readers in mind, rather than their geographic location.”

Most likely Jewish readers who already believed in Jesus

For us this means as we read through Matthew it will be important to notice if there is a Jewish custom or practice that we are missing. Possibly some insider information we might not catch at first glance. Large amounts of Old Testament references are in Matthew.

Instead of Chronilogical order Matthew grouped by the book by Topic.

Look for the references to the “Kingdom of Heaven” throughout the book!