Gospel of Matthew

Introduction – Class 1

2. Books & Resources:
   1. The Bible! (King James, RSV or NIV are probably best)

   2. The Message of Matthew – by Michael Green part of the Bible Speaks Today series edited by John Stott and published by Intervarsity Press;

                                                               i.      Green is a well-known priest and author. He is the author of over 50 books and has recently served as Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. Currently he serves as Canon Missioner and Co-Rector at Holy Trinity, Raleigh.

3. The Gospel of Matthew – William Barclay

4. The Gospel According to Matthew – Leon Morris

5. An Introduction to the New Testament – Carson, Moo & Morris
6. An Introduction to the New Testament – Raymond
7. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scriptures (ACCS) – for specific review of the Fathers writings on certain passages.
   
   

2. Authorship

                                                               i.      The book does not expressly attribute authorship – none of the Gospels do…their entire purpose is to point its readers to Jesus Christ and the ‘Good News’ He brings

                                                             ii.      The external evidence is “unanimous and clear” – the book was written by Matthew, the tax collector and one of the 12.

                                                            iii.      Internal evidence is much disputed – critical scholarship doubts Matthian authorship although some hold that the book may be a compendium of writings by the Apostle.

1.      It is generally supposed by modern scholars that the book was dependent upon Mark with additions from ‘Q’

2.      However, there is much that is unique to Matthew and scholars also suggest an “M” that this book draws from.

                                                           iv.      It seems reasonable that the book was named at least by 100 AD and may never have been anonymous – it has always been attributed to Matthew whenever it has been known or identified by early Christians.

4. Who was Matthew anyway?
   1. Matthew means “Gift of God” (although his given name was Levi – it appears that, like Simon (later Peter), Matthew was renamed when he became a disciple.

                                                               i.      It seems Jesus knew Matthew was to become a gift to the people from God!

                                                             ii.      Renaming makes sense since it is a sign of lordship over the one named – just as we are ‘named’ at our baptism.

                                                            iii.      Only Matthew’s Gospel mentions his new name (although not a compelling proof, this is certainly one supporting factor in holding to his authorship)

                                                           iv.      The skills and training of a tax collector – especially literacy – would have been key to his later role as a recorder of Christ’s activities.

2. He is brother to James
3. He is mentioned in all four Gospels
4. The call of Matthew is recorded in Matt 9:9 (and also Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27 although he is named ‘Levi’ in those books.
5. Tradition on his life after the crucifixion varies

                                                               i.      The Roman Martyrology holds that Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia; other sources put his death in Persia and some say Pontus (in Asia Minor along the southern border of the Black Sea).

5. Purpose
   1. Matthew seems to emphasize mission and evangelization.
   2. His work seems to be directed primarily to newly converted (or nearly converted) Jews due to his frequent reference to the Old Testament

                                                               i.      On the other hand, some would say this heavy reference to the Old Testament was to teach Gentiles how to read their bible! We can learn from Matthew how the Old Testament should be used.

3. First and foremost it is a record of what Jesus said and did; however, as Green points out, it seems to concentrate on three different groups:

                                                               i.      Disciples (especially those new converts)

                                                             ii.      The crowds – i.e. those who do not yet believe

                                                            iii.      The teachers of the Law, leaders and Pharisees (Green pp 29)

4. It tries to force the reader to ask the question of himself: “What shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?”

6. Date
   1. Was traditionally believed to be the first Gospel written. Modern Scholarship believes Mark to be the earliest book with Matthew pulling from Mark and “Q”. Some hold that Matthew was, in fact the author of “Q” and that a compiler pulled together Matthew’s writings and recollections with Marks to organize this Gospel.
   2. Is referenced in other Christians writings (esp Didache) as early as 100 AD)
   3. If tradition is right, the book was very early – perhaps in the 40’s or 50’s. Otherwise between 70’s and 100 – although the weight and early information supports an early dating.
      
      
      
7. Other “stuff”
   1. Along with John, Matthew was one of the most widely read and loved books in the early Church
   2. Is probably the most suitable for public reading and is, therefore, perhaps best known of the four Gospels – Matthew accounts for 36% of our ‘Propers’ or Gospel readings for the church’s communion services.
   3. In art Matthew is depicted with a sword, money bag or carpenter’s square.
   4. His Gospel is symbolized by a man or cherub (Mark with a lion, Luke with a bull and John with an eagle as they respectively showed our Lord as a Man, a King, a Priest & Victim and as God)