MtMatthew
The Book of Matthew opens the New Testament as a literary and theological gateway that connects ancient promises with the person of Jesus. By narrating Christ’s birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, Matthew presents a comprehensive message: the kingdom of God breaks into history through the Messiah, and that kingdom redefines identity, ethics, and hope. For this reason, the Book of Matthew is not merely a biographical account; it is a carefully structured work meant to form disciples, guide communities, and show that the story of Jesus has universal scope.
Among the Gospels, Matthew stands out for how it organizes Jesus’ teachings into large blocks of discourse and for its emphasis on continuity between Israel’s faith and a mission that expands to the nations. The result is a text that engages readers from different contexts: people seeking a summary of Matthew to understand the overall narrative, students interested in “who wrote Matthew” and “when,” and readers looking for verses from Matthew for devotion and teaching.
In addition, Matthew offers a striking kingdom ethic, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus interprets God’s will in a deep way—going beyond outward behavior to reach intentions, desires, and motivations. At the same time, the Gospel faces real tensions experienced by developing Christian communities: persecution, authority conflicts, discernment regarding false teaching, and the need for perseverance.
To read the Book of Matthew attentively is to notice a twofold dynamic: Jesus’ pastoral nearness to the weary and oppressed and, at the same time, the greatness of his authority as King and Judge. This combination explains why Matthew has remained central in Christian catechesis, preaching, and Bible study through the centuries.
| Item | Data |
|---|---|
| Testament | New Testament |
| Category | Gospels |
| Author (tradition) | Matthew (Levi), a disciple of Jesus and former tax collector |
| Estimated writing period | c. AD 60–70 (some studies propose AD 70–90) |
| Chapters | 28 |
| Original language | Greek |
| Central theme | Jesus is the promised Messiah and King; his kingdom forms a discipled people—obedient and sent into the world. |
| Key verse | Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” |
The Book of Matthew holds the first place in the canonical order of the New Testament, functioning as a narrative and theological bridge. It presents Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic expectation, and also as the teacher who defines the life of the kingdom’s people.
Matthew belongs to the set of Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). These books narrate Jesus’ life and ministry, but each does so with distinct emphases. Matthew tends to:
In general, the Gospel appears to speak strongly to readers who knew Israel’s Scriptures and lived with identity tensions: how to follow Jesus while also understanding continuity with the prior story of faith. At the same time, Matthew culminates with an expansive vision: the mission reaches “all nations.”
Among the goals most commonly recognized in biblical studies are:
Early Christian tradition attributed the Gospel to Matthew (Levi), one of the twelve disciples. He appears in the Gospel narrative as a tax collector called by Jesus to follow him (Matthew 9:9). This attribution became established early in church history.
Ancient Christian sources associate Matthew with the Gospel that bears his name, often highlighting its connection to an audience with a strong Jewish heritage. These testimonies, while important, do not function as “proof” in the modern sense; they are historical evidence of reception and attribution.
The Gospel demonstrates:
Within mainstream academic consensus, two observations are often made:
Thus, positions include:
The period c. AD 60–70 is a traditional estimate, though many studies place the final composition between AD 70 and 90. Arguments used in this debate include:
Regardless of the more precise dating, the Book of Matthew reflects a Christianity mature enough to systematize teaching, community practices, and mission.
Matthew takes place under Roman rule, with Herod and his successors playing important roles in Palestine. Daily life was marked by:
The period was characterized by intense interpretation of the Scriptures and debates about:
Matthew presents Jesus within these debates, but with unique authority: he teaches “as one who had authority,” reinterpreting the Law according to God’s purpose for the human heart and for the justice of the kingdom.
The Gospel moves through:
The Book of Matthew is notable for combining narrative and instruction, often grouping Jesus’ words and works into well-defined blocks.
A common structural reading identifies:
Many scholars highlight five teaching blocks:
This organization makes Matthew especially valuable for studying Matthew in teaching settings, because it facilitates thematic units.
Below is a summary of Matthew by narrative blocks, with a timeline and suggested maps to guide reading.
Matthew begins with a genealogy and the birth narrative, emphasizing identity and mission. Jesus’ birth is presented under tension: worship and threat coexist. Herod’s persecution and the child’s preservation highlight that the Messiah enters a world of power struggles.
John the Baptist calls for repentance and baptizes Jesus. Next, the wilderness temptation shows Jesus’ faithfulness in the face of offers of power, spectacle, and dominion. As he begins his ministry, Jesus proclaims the nearness of the kingdom and calls disciples.
Jesus presents the Beatitudes, deepens the meaning of commandments, and teaches about prayer, fasting, and trust in God. The focus is a righteousness that exceeds mere religious appearance. The discourse ends with a call to practice: hearing and obeying is the stable foundation.
Healings, deliverances, and restorations display compassion and authority. Jesus welcomes the marginalized and reveals that the kingdom touches body, mind, and social relationships. Matthew’s (Levi’s) call signals the inclusion of those viewed as “unfit” by parts of the religious establishment.
The disciples are sent with practical and spiritual instructions: proclamation, dependence, courage under persecution, and faithfulness. The Gospel presents mission not as easy triumph, but as costly witness.
Jesus’ identity becomes clearer while opposition grows. Here we find the key verse Matthew 11:28, which invites the weary and burdened to rest. In parallel, criticisms and accusations reveal hardness of heart and the distortion of religiosity.
The parables communicate that the kingdom grows in mysterious and sometimes hidden ways: seeds, leaven, hidden treasure. The aim is not only to inform, but to provoke decision, discernment, and commitment.
Multiplications, walking on the water, and confessions about who Jesus is point toward faith and maturity. The transfiguration reveals Christ’s glory and anticipates victory through suffering.
Jesus teaches about humility, care for the little ones, restorative discipline, and forgiveness. The kingdom community must unite truth and mercy, seeking real reconciliation.
Teachings on marriage, wealth, service, and leadership shape values. In Jerusalem, debates increase along with denunciations of religious hypocrisy. The focus is not mere attack, but the contrast between appearance and inner faithfulness.
Jesus speaks about watchfulness, perseverance, and responsibility while awaiting the consummation. Parables like the ten virgins and the talents highlight readiness and faithfulness. The final judgment is described with strong ethical urgency: faith is expressed in concrete mercy.
The final narrative concentrates betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. The Gospel ends with the commission to make disciples among all nations, teaching obedience and living under Christ’s continual presence.
Matthew repeatedly speaks of the kingdom as a present and future reality. The kingdom is not merely a “place,” but God’s reign that transforms life, priorities, and justice.
Application: discern kingdom values (humility, mercy, truth) in everyday choices.
The Gospel emphasizes practice: the one who hears and does. Disciples are formed through teaching, correction, and mission.
Application: mature spirituality integrates belief, character, and actions.
Matthew presents Jesus as the climax of the faith story, without reducing continuity to formalism.
Application: read the Bible as a coherent narrative in which promises are fulfilled and gain depth.
Matthew confronts religiosity centered on appearance and status. The critique targets the distortion of faith when it becomes a tool of power.
Application: examine motives, practice integrity, and pursue consistency.
Chapter 18 is especially formative for community life: humility, care for the vulnerable, correction with a restorative aim.
Application: build relationships with truth and mercy, avoiding both permissiveness and harshness.
The future shapes the present: persevere, stay watchful, and act responsibly.
Application: live with sobriety and purpose, translating hope into service and faithfulness.
Matthew 1:21 — “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Context: announcement of the birth. Meaning: Jesus’ mission is presented as salvation and restoration.
Matthew 4:17 — “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Context: beginning of the ministry. Meaning: the kingdom demands a concrete response, a change of direction.
Matthew 5:3 — “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Context: Beatitudes. Meaning: the kingdom begins with humility and dependence on God.
Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Context: anxiety and provision. Meaning: kingdom priorities reorder needs and desires.
Matthew 7:12 — “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Context: ethics of the Sermon on the Mount. Meaning: a practical summary of relational righteousness.
Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Context: invitation amid tensions and rejection. Meaning: Jesus offers real rest—not escape, but relief and direction.
Matthew 16:16 — “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Context: Peter’s confession. Meaning: a milestone of messianic identity and communal recognition.
Matthew 18:20 — “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Context: community life and restorative discipline. Meaning: Christ’s presence guides decisions and reconciliation.
Matthew 22:37–39 — “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Context: the great commandment. Meaning: love for God and neighbor structures the entire moral life.
Matthew 28:19–20 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Context: the Gospel’s closing. Meaning: mission, teaching, and continual presence as the foundation of the church.
The Book of Matthew remains timely because it unites theology and practice. It answers central contemporary questions:
Culturally, Matthew has influenced art, music, literature, and debates about ethics, justice, and spirituality. Pastorally and educationally, it continues to be a foundation for catechesis, leader formation, and studies of Jesus’ teaching.
An effective approach for studying Matthew is to follow these units:
Helpful questions:
Map the controversies with religious leaders:
| Day | Reading |
|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 1–2 |
| 2 | Matthew 3–4 |
| 3 | Matthew 5 |
| 4 | Matthew 6 |
| 5 | Matthew 7 |
| 6 | Matthew 8–9 |
| 7 | Matthew 10 |
| 8 | Matthew 11–12 |
| 9 | Matthew 13 |
| 10 | Matthew 14–15 |
| 11 | Matthew 16–17 |
| 12 | Matthew 18–19 |
| 13 | Matthew 20–23 |
| 14 | Matthew 24–28 |
For deeper study:
Jesus is presented as the Messiah and King; his kingdom inaugurates a new reality that forms disciples and extends to the nations.
Tradition attributes the Gospel to Matthew (Levi), a disciple of Jesus. Academic research also considers the possibility of composition associated with a community that preserved traditions linked to him.
It is commonly estimated between AD 60–70, though many studies place the final composition between AD 70–90.
The Book of Matthew has 28 chapters.
One of the most well-known is Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew is in the New Testament, in the section of the Gospels.
Because it comprehensively organizes Jesus’ identity, his kingdom ethic, and disciple-making mission, deeply shaping Christian teaching and community life.
It is the Gospel’s characteristic way of speaking about God’s reign: his saving and transforming authority at work in history and culminating in the future.
To present the righteousness of the kingdom: a life transformed inwardly, expressed in humility, reconciliation, purity of heart, love for neighbor, and trust in God.
Sermon on the Mount (5–7), mission discourse (10), parables of the kingdom (13), community discourse (18), and eschatological discourse (24–25).
Jesus, John the Baptist, the twelve disciples (especially Peter), religious leaders (Pharisees and scribes), Herod, Pilate, Judas, Mary, and Joseph.
Both appear strongly, but Matthew is especially known for organizing large blocks of teaching without separating them from the signs that confirm the kingdom’s arrival.
Matthew highlights forgiveness as an essential practice of the disciple and as the foundation of communal reconciliation (especially in ch. 18), linking forgiveness to humility and restoration.
It ends with the resurrection and the commission to make disciples of all nations (28:19–20). This shows that Jesus’ story culminates in ongoing mission and Christ’s permanent presence with his people.
Read in blocks (especially the major discourses), observe practical applications of Jesus’ teaching, and discuss how the community can live forgiveness, righteousness, and mission in concrete ways.