Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “Gift of the Lord”

AUTHOR: Matthew, the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14)

TIME WRITTEN: Likely between 58-68 A.D.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 40th Book in the Bible
• 1st Book in the New Testament
• 1st of 4 Biographical Books (Matthew to John)
• Followed by 26 books

CHAPTERS: 28
VERSES: 1,071
WORDS: 18,346

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT MATTHEW:

• Matthew’s Gospel is written by Matthew, a Jewish tax collector, to a Jewish audience, focusing on Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
• Over 130 Old Testament quotations and allusions are used in Matthew to affirm Jesus as the Messiah. The phrase, “that which was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled,” is unique to Matthew.
• The title “Son of David” is used 9 times in Matthew, more frequently than in the other Gospels combined.
• Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of over a thousand years of prophetic promises and demonstrates God’s redemptive plan even after 400 years of prophetic silence.
• The term “kingdom of heaven” appears 55 times, highlighting Matthew’s focus on the heavenly realm.
• Matthew hosted a large gathering in his home so his associates could meet Jesus (Matthew 9:10). His name appears last in the Bible in Acts 1:13.
• As a former tax collector, Matthew was likely unpopular among his countrymen.
• The pivotal moment in Matthew’s Gospel occurs in chapter 12, when the Pharisees reject Jesus as the Messiah, attributing His power to Satan. This marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry, leading to more parables, focus on His disciples, and predictions of His death.
• Matthew is positioned first in the New Testament canon by the early church because it serves as a natural bridge between the Old and New Testaments.