Exploring the Gospel of Matthew

Sep 17, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Gospel of Matthew

Bridging the Old and New Testaments

  • Gap of approximately 400 years between the Old and New Testaments.
  • After Malachi, there was no prophetic voice until the announcement of John the Baptist's birth.
  • Importance of John the Baptist as a forerunner of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.

Historical Context: 400 Silent Years

  • World history saw significant changes during this period.
    • Power shifted from Medo-Persia to Greece, and eventually to Rome by the time of the New Testament.
  • Key historical events:
    • 480 B.C.: Xerxes the Persian's battles with the Greeks.
    • 333 B.C.: Alexander the Great's victory over the Persians.
    • 63 B.C.: Roman general Pompey captures Jerusalem.
    • 40 B.C.: Herod appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate.
  • Emergence of new cultural and political institutions in Judea.

Religious and Political Groups in the New Testament

  • Pharisees: Defenders of Jewish traditions, strict legalists, and politically nationalist.
  • Sadducees: Wealthy, socially minded, liberal theology, opposed to the Pharisees.
  • Scribes: Professional expounders of the law, emphasized the letter over the spirit.
  • Herodians: Political party supporting Herodian rule.

Literary Activity of the Period

  • Translation of the Old Testament into Greek (Septuagint).
  • Apocrypha written; debated inclusion in the canon.

The Gospels and Their Audiences

  • Matthew: Written for Israel, focuses on religious fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
  • Mark: Directed to Romans, emphasizing action and authority.
  • Luke: Addressed to Greeks, focusing on thought and logic.
  • John: For believers, indirectly addressing the Orient.

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

  • Written by Matthew, a former publican.
  • Originally in Hebrew, directed to the nation of Israel.
  • Emphasizes fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Key Themes in Matthew

  • Kingdom of Heaven: Mentioned 32 times; distinct from the church.
  • Genealogy of Jesus: Establishes Jesus’ legal right to the throne of David.
  • Virgin Birth: Affirmed by both Matthew and Luke.

Genealogy in Matthew

  • Divided into three sections (Abraham to David, David to Babylonian exile, exile to Jesus).
  • Emphasizes Jesus’ legal and prophetic right to the throne of David.
  • Highlights inclusion of Gentiles and women, unusual for Jewish genealogies.

Importance of Virgin Birth

  • Essential for Jesus to be both Savior (Jesus) and "God with us" (Emmanuel).
  • Virgin birth as fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.

Conclusion

  • The Gospel of Matthew is key in understanding the transition from Old to New Testament.
  • Highlights Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His role as Messiah.

Final Thoughts

  • Emphasizes the significance of Jesus' divine nature and mission.
  • Importance of understanding the Gospel of Matthew for a comprehensive grasp of the New Testament narrative.