Lecture Notes: New Testament One - Gospel of Matthew

Introduction

• Goal: Understand the Gospel of Matthew's shape, similarities and differences with Mark, and the significance of its genealogy.
• Matthew's Audience: Primarily Jewish, evident from its organization and genealogy.

Characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew

• Length: Longer than Mark; between 50 and 60 AD.
• Author: Apostle Matthew, a tax collector called by Jesus.
• Purpose: Written primarily for a Jewish audience.

Comparison with Mark

• Movement: Mark is quick-paced; Matthew is more detailed.
• Material: Matthew includes additional material outside of Mark's content.

Structure and Literary Design

• Five-Book Setup: Mirrors the five books of the Torah.
• Thematic Organization: Deeds and words of Jesus are arranged topically.
• Stylistic Devices: Uses literary markers to signify transitions.

Theological Themes

• Jesus as the New Moses: Parallels between Jesus and Moses:

  • Both emerge from Egypt, cross waters, and deliver laws.
  • Jesus fulfills the Mosaic and Old Covenant hopes.

• Fulfillment: Frequent use of the term "fulfillment" in Matthew.

• High Christology: Jesus as Lord, Messiah, and God with us.

Structure Details

• Genealogy:

  • Selective, not exhaustive.
  • Groups of 14 names each.
  • Includes women, showing unusual prominence for the era.

• Five Books in Matthew: Delineated by the phrase "when Jesus finished saying these things."

• Intro and Outro: Introduction (Chapters 1-3), Outro/Resolution (Chapters 26-28).

Historical Context

• Jewish Divisions: Pharisees, Essenes, Sadducees, and Herodians.
• Political Milieu: Divided religious and social landscape.

Key Events and Analysis

• Baptism of Jesus:

  • Not for repentance but to fulfill righteousness.
  • Introduction of baptism as a new initiation rite.

• Temptation in the Wilderness: Jesus overcomes Satan’s temptations; contrasts with Adam.

• Beginning of Ministry:

  • Preaching of "repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand."
  • Calls first disciples, performs miracles.

Conclusion

• Upcoming: The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7).