Matthew

Question 0

Gospel of Matthew - date

Answer 0

Dependent on Mark - moist likely written in 65-70 AD

Before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70

Question 1

Gospel of Matthew - author

Answer 1

Matthew or someone else? 2nd G disciple?
Why copy a non-disciple when you have first hand knowledge?
No claim to authorship within the text
By AD 125 the title - Gospel of Matthew had been given to manuscript

Question 2

Historical Matthew

Answer 2

First referred to by Ignatius of Antioch in AD 115
Commentary written by Origen in 185 AD
Most used gospel by the church for worship
Five discourse parallel the five books of Pentateuch

Question 3

Different images of Jesus

Answer 3

Ezequiel 1:10
Human Mathew Begins with genealogy
Lion Mark Lions roar in deserted places
Ox Luke Starts with priestly order of Zechariah (oxen were sacrifice of priest)
Eagle John The mystery of an eagle and where it a abides

Question 4

Matthew - message

Answer 4

Matthew’s purpose in writing his gospel is impossible to miss as one reads the opening chapters of the book.
Reintroduce Jesus to the Jews
Show that he was truly what he claimed to be, the messiah, king of Israel.
Pointed to the future to Jesus’ return and kingdom and fulfillment of promises made to the patriarchs
Great commission to Jesus’ followers while they wait for His return

Question 5

Matthew - structure

Answer 5

The genius of Matthew’s gospel lies in his structure, which presents a marvelous tapestry of narrative interwoven with carefully crafted blocks of teaching. The five blocks of teaching are presented on a topical basis. Each is marked off by a similar concluding formula, (when Jesus had finished saying these things), which Matthew uses to transition back to the narrative.

Question 6

The five discourses

Answer 6

What is the kingdom of God? Sermon of the mount (5-7) - ethics
Ending (7:28-29)
Kingdom extended. Instruction to the disciples (10) - mission
Ending 11:1
Opposition to the kingdom. Parables of the kingdom (13)
Ending (13:53)
Building the kingdom. Being a disciple (18) - community life
Ending (19:2)
Triumph of grace. Olivet discourse (23-25) - judgment
Ending (26:1)

Question 7

Matthew’s Jesus

Answer 7

As messiah - divinity
As teacher - humanity
As king - both

Question 8

As messiah

Answer 8

Fulfillment of the OT prophecy “this was to fulfill was was spoken”
10x
Interpretation of OT law “you have heard that it was said, …”
6x
Confrontations with Pharisees “haven’t you read…?”
7x

Question 9

As teacher

Answer 9

Sermon the Mount
9 beatitudes
3 fold practice: giving, prayer, and fasting
6 interpretations “you have heard…”
3 trusting in riches, judging others, trusting God again
2 warnings

Question 10

Discourses in Matthew

Answer 10

Chapters
5-7 (107 verses) teaching for the present
10 (38 verses) the church’s mission
13 (50 verses) parables of the kingdom. Chiastic form
18 (33 verses) the church’s life
24-25 (94 verses) teaching for the future