Matthew

Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew (also called Levi), a former tax collector whom Jesus called to be one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 9:9). Early church tradition unanimously attributes this Gospel to Matthew. The book was likely written between 50-70 AD and is uniquely suited to a Jewish audience, with extensive Old Testament quotations and references.

Matthew contains 28 chapters organized around five major teaching discourses of Jesus: the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), the Mission Discourse (chapter 10), the Parables Discourse (chapter 13), the Community Discourse (chapter 18), and the Olivet Discourse on end times (chapters 24-25).

The main theme of Matthew is Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of Israel. Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, using the phrase 'this was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet' repeatedly. The Gospel demonstrates that Jesus is the Son of David, the new Moses, and the inaugurator of God's kingdom.

Key events include: Jesus' genealogy and birth (chapters 1-2), the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), numerous miracles demonstrating messianic authority (chapters 8-9), Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi (chapter 16), the Transfiguration (chapter 17), the triumphal entry (chapter 21), the Last Supper (chapter 26), the crucifixion (chapter 27), the resurrection and Great Commission (chapter 28).

Matthew serves as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus fulfills over 60 Old Testament prophecies. The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) is the most comprehensive summary of Jesus' ethical teaching. The Great Commission (28:18-20) — 'go and make disciples of all nations' — has defined the church's mission for two millennia.