Understanding the Gospel of Matthew: A Guide for Everyday Christians

The Gospel of Matthew stands as the opening book of the New Testament, serving as a bridge between the Old and New Covenants. For centuries, it has been the church's favorite Gospel, quoted more than any other in early Christian writings. Matthew presents Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah-King who fulfills God's ancient promises to Israel while extending salvation to all nations. Understanding Matthew's unique perspective will enrich your reading of all the Gospels and deepen your appreciation for how God's redemptive plan unfolds through Jesus Christ.

1. Central Theme: Jesus as the Promised Messiah-King

The central message of Matthew's Gospel is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of David and Son of God, who has come to establish God's kingdom. From the very first verse—"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham"—Matthew establishes Jesus' royal credentials and His connection to God's covenant promises.

Matthew emphasizes several interconnected themes:

Jesus as Fulfillment: More than any other Gospel, Matthew demonstrates how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and expectations. He quotes the Old Testament over sixty times, repeatedly using the phrase "this was done that it might be fulfilled as the prophets had said." Jesus is presented as the new Moses who delivers God's people, the true Israel who succeeds where the nation failed, and the promised King from David's line who will reign forever.

The Kingdom of Heaven: The phrase "kingdom of heaven" appears thirty-three times in Matthew (and nowhere else in Scripture). This distinctly Jewish way of referring to God's reign reflects Matthew's emphasis on how Jesus brings the long-awaited kingdom. The kingdom arrives through Jesus' teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection, though its full manifestation awaits His return.

Righteousness and Discipleship: Matthew calls believers to a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees (5:20). True righteousness comes from the heart and manifests in obedience to Jesus' teaching. The Gospel contains five major teaching discourses where Jesus instructs His followers on kingdom life, making Matthew an essential manual for Christian discipleship.

Universal Mission: While Jesus' earthly ministry focused on "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (10:6; 15:24), Matthew concludes with the Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" (28:19). The Gospel shows how God's promises to Abraham to bless all nations find their fulfillment in Christ's church.

2. Purpose: Demonstrating Jesus as Messiah and Instructing the Church

Matthew wrote with multiple, complementary purposes in mind:

To prove Jesus is the Messiah: Matthew's primary evangelistic purpose was to convince Jewish readers that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed their promised Messiah and rightful King. The extensive genealogy, numerous fulfillment quotations, and emphasis on Jesus' Davidic lineage all serve this purpose. Even Gentile readers would understand that Jesus fulfills ancient prophecies and embodies God's plan for humanity.

To explain the Kingdom: Many Jews rejected Jesus because He didn't establish an earthly political kingdom as expected. Matthew explains that God's kingdom comes in stages. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom through His ministry, death, and resurrection. It grows in the present age as people respond to the gospel message. Its final, glorious form will come when Christ returns. The parables of chapter 13 particularly address this "already but not yet" nature of the kingdom.

To instruct disciples: Matthew is deeply catechetical—designed for teaching. The five major discourses provide comprehensive instruction on Christian living: the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) on kingdom ethics; the missionary discourse (chapter 10) on evangelism and persecution; the parables (chapter 13) on the kingdom's nature; the community discourse (chapter 18) on church relationships and discipline; and the Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25) on the end times. These teaching blocks make Matthew ideal for instructing new believers and for ongoing discipleship.

To address a divided community: Writing to a church that included both Jewish and Gentile Christians, Matthew shows how both groups belong to God's people through faith in Christ. He emphasizes that while Jesus is the Jewish Messiah who fulfills the Law and Prophets, His mission extends to all nations. This helps explain tensions between maintaining Jewish heritage and embracing the Gentile mission.

3. Historical Context: Author, Audience, Date, and Setting

Authorship: The unanimous testimony of the early church identifies Matthew (also called Levi), one of Jesus' twelve apostles and a former tax collector, as the author. While the Gospel itself doesn't name its writer, several factors support this tradition. As a tax collector, Matthew would have possessed the literacy and organizational skills evident in the Gospel's carefully structured arrangement. The inclusion of details about tax collection (17:24-27; 22:19) and the Gospel's emphasis on discipleship from Matthew's own calling (9:9-13) support his authorship. Some scholars question whether an apostle would rely on Mark's Gospel (as Matthew appears to do), but even apostles could build on earlier written accounts, especially one connected to Peter's testimony.

Audience: Matthew wrote primarily for Jewish Christians, though his message addresses both Jew and Gentile believers. The Gospel's Jewish character is evident in its use of "kingdom of heaven" (avoiding the divine name), its quotations from Hebrew Scripture, its references to Jewish customs without explanation, and its engagement with Jewish concerns about the Law, righteousness, and Messianic expectations. The early church tradition suggests Antioch of Syria as a likely location for Matthew's original audience—a major city with substantial Jewish and Gentile Christian populations facing questions about their identity and mission.

Date: Most conservative scholars date Matthew to the 60s AD, before Jerusalem's destruction in 70 AD. Several factors support this earlier date: Matthew describes the temple as still standing and functioning; he warns against Sadducees, a group that vanished after 70 AD; and Irenaeus (around 180 AD) stated that Matthew wrote while Peter and Paul were alive (before the mid-60s). Some scholars prefer a date in the 70s or 80s, arguing that Matthew's use of Mark and his descriptions of Jerusalem's judgment suggest a post-70 perspective. However, Jesus clearly predicted the temple's destruction, and Matthew could have written after Mark in the 60s without difficulty.

Cultural Context: The Gospel emerges from a world of intense religious and political tension. The Jewish people lived under Roman occupation, longing for the Messiah to deliver them. Various Jewish groups—Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots—offered competing visions of faithfulness to God. The early church was navigating its relationship to both Judaism and the Gentile world, facing persecution from both sides. Understanding this context helps explain Matthew's emphasis on Jesus' legitimate authority, His conflicts with Jewish leaders, and the church's mission to all nations.

Genre: Matthew is a Gospel—a theological biography that selectively presents Jesus' life, teaching, death, and resurrection to demonstrate who He is and call for a response of faith. Unlike modern biographies, the Gospels don't attempt comprehensive coverage but arrange material thematically and theologically to communicate spiritual truth. Matthew combines narrative portions with extensive teaching sections, creating a rhythm between Jesus' actions and words that reveals His identity and mission.

4. Special Issues: Understanding Matthew's Distinctive Features

The Relationship to Mark: Most scholars believe Matthew used Mark's Gospel as a source, expanding it with additional teaching material. This editorial method doesn't diminish apostolic authorship—ancient historians regularly incorporated earlier works into their own accounts. Matthew's use of Mark (likely based on Peter's testimony) actually enhances his credibility while allowing him to present Jesus' story with his own theological emphasis and additional material.

Fulfillment Quotations: Matthew's distinctive "this was to fulfill" formula appears throughout the Gospel, explicitly connecting Jesus' life to Old Testament prophecy. These aren't always direct predictions but often show patterns and typology—ways Jesus embodies and surpasses what came before. Understanding this enriches our reading: Jesus isn't just predicted by the prophets; He fulfills the entire trajectory of Israel's story.

The Five Discourses: Matthew structures his Gospel around five major teaching sections, each ending with the formula "when Jesus had finished these sayings" (7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Some scholars see this as intentionally echoing the five books of Moses, presenting Jesus as the new Moses giving new Torah. Whether or not this parallel was intended, the five discourses provide comprehensive instruction on Christian faith and practice.

Apparent Contradictions with Other Gospels: Matthew sometimes arranges events differently than Mark or Luke, and occasionally includes different details. This reflects ancient biographical practice, where chronological precision mattered less than theological presentation. Each Gospel writer selected and arranged material to communicate his particular message. These differences, far from being errors, show us different facets of Jesus' identity and mission.

Harsh Language About Jewish Leaders: Matthew's strong denunciations of Pharisees and scribes (especially chapter 23) reflect Jesus' genuine confrontation with religious hypocrisy, not ethnic prejudice. Jesus, Matthew, and the early disciples were all Jewish, critiquing their own religious establishment from within. This "sibling rivalry" intensified as the church and rabbinic Judaism diverged after 70 AD. Understanding this historical context prevents misuse of these passages for anti-Semitism.

The Church in Matthew: Only Matthew uses the word "church" among the Gospels (16:18; 18:17), emphasizing Jesus' intention to build a new community. This community includes both Jewish and Gentile believers, united by faith in Christ rather than ethnic identity or law-keeping. Matthew provides practical instruction for church life, including discipline (18:15-20) and the promise of Christ's ongoing presence (18:20; 28:20).

5. Relation to the Rest of Scripture: Matthew's Place in God's Story

Bridge Between Testaments: Matthew functions as a hinge between the Old and New Testaments. The genealogy (1:1-17) traces Jesus' line back through David to Abraham, connecting Him to God's covenant promises. Throughout the Gospel, Matthew shows Jesus fulfilling the Law and Prophets, not abolishing them (5:17). He is the prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18), the suffering servant of Isaiah, the shepherd-king of Ezekiel, and Daniel's Son of Man receiving universal authority.

Echoes of Israel's Story: Matthew presents Jesus as embodying Israel's vocation. Like Israel, Jesus goes down to Egypt and is called out (2:15, citing Hosea 11:1). He passes through water (baptism) and is tested in the wilderness for forty days (paralleling Israel's forty years). Unlike Israel, Jesus succeeds perfectly, obeying where they failed. He becomes the true Israel through whom God's purposes for humanity are accomplished.

Foundation for the Church: Matthew's Gospel has profoundly shaped Christian theology and practice. The Sermon on the Mount provides ethical instruction. The Great Commission defines the church's mission. The promise of Christ's presence ("I am with you always," 28:20) echoes "Emmanuel—God with us" (1:23), assuring believers of divine accompaniment. Matthew's teaching on prayer, fasting, giving, forgiveness, and community life continues to guide Christians today.

Eschatological Hope: The Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25) provides crucial teaching on Christ's return and final judgment. While interpretive debates continue, Matthew clearly teaches that history moves toward a climax when Christ returns in glory to judge the world and fully establish His kingdom. This hope motivates faithfulness and mission in the present age.

Application for Today: Matthew challenges contemporary Christians to embrace Jesus as both Lord and Messiah, to live according to kingdom values that contrast with worldly wisdom, to engage in costly discipleship, to maintain unity amid diversity, and to participate in Christ's mission to all nations. The Gospel reminds us that authentic Christianity involves transformed hearts producing righteous living, not merely external religious observance.

6. Outline and Structure: How Matthew Organized His Gospel

Matthew crafted his Gospel with careful attention to structure and symmetry. While scholars propose various outlines, the following captures the book's basic organization:

I. The Arrival of the King (Chapters 1-4)

• Genealogy and birth narratives (1:1-2:23)
• Preparation by John the Baptist (3:1-17)
• Testing in the wilderness (4:1-11)
• Beginning of Galilean ministry (4:12-25)

II. The Authority of the King (Chapters 5-9)

• First Discourse: The Sermon on the Mount—Kingdom Ethics (5:1-7:29)
• Narrative: Miracles demonstrating authority over disease, demons, and nature (8:1-9:38)

III. The Mission of the King's Messengers (Chapters 10-12)

• Second Discourse: Commissioning the Twelve for Mission (10:1-42)
• Narrative: John the Baptist's question and growing opposition (11:1-12:50)

IV. The Mysteries of the Kingdom (Chapters 13-17)

• Third Discourse: Parables of the Kingdom (13:1-52)
• Narrative: Rejection, miracles, Peter's confession, transfiguration (13:53-17:27)

V. Life in the Kingdom Community (Chapters 18-20)

• Fourth Discourse: Relationships, Forgiveness, and Greatness in the Church (18:1-35)
• Narrative: Teaching on discipleship and service (19:1-20:34)

VI. Confrontation in Jerusalem (Chapters 21-23)

• Triumphal Entry and temple cleansing (21:1-17)
• Controversies with religious leaders (21:18-22:46)
• Woes against scribes and Pharisees (23:1-39)

VII. The Coming of the King (Chapters 24-25)

• Fifth Discourse: The Olivet Discourse on the End Times (24:1-25:46)

VIII. The Passion and Victory of the King (Chapters 26-28)

• Betrayal, trials, and crucifixion (26:1-27:66)
• Resurrection and Great Commission (28:1-20)

This structure reveals Matthew's artistry. He alternates between narrative and discourse, showing Jesus as both powerful in deed and authoritative in word. The Gospel moves geographically from Galilee to Jerusalem and thematically from the announcement of the kingdom to its establishment through Christ's death and resurrection. Two key transitional statements mark major shifts: "From that time Jesus began to preach" (4:17) launches His public ministry, while "From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must... be killed, and on the third day be raised" (16:21) turns toward the passion.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Matthew invites us into the story of Jesus, the Christ, who fulfills God's ancient promises and establishes His kingdom through an unexpected path of suffering, death, and resurrection. Matthew wrote to strengthen faith in Jesus as Messiah and Lord, to instruct disciples in kingdom living, and to commission the church for worldwide mission. His carefully structured Gospel serves as an essential manual for understanding Christian faith and practice.

As you read Matthew, pay attention to how Jesus fulfills Scripture, notice the balance between His powerful deeds and authoritative teaching, reflect on the radical nature of kingdom ethics, and embrace the call to discipleship that costs everything but provides eternal life. Most importantly, worship Jesus as the King who exercises all authority in heaven and earth and who promises, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (28:20).

Whether you're reading Matthew for the first time or the hundredth, this Gospel continues to reveal the beauty, authority, and mission of Jesus Christ, calling us to faith, obedience, and participation in God's kingdom purposes for our world.