The Gospel of Matthew - An Overview

Authorship: Unknown, 2nd century tradition connects it to the tax collector, Levi, however there is no way to verify this point

Date: Late 80s or early 90s, after the synagogue and church split between 85 and 90 C.E., it also presupposes the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E. (Matt 22:7)

Highlights:
• It is placed first in the NT because it serves as good connector with OT by including a genealogy for Jesus and emphasizing the nature and function of the church (chs 10 & 18)
• Presents Jesus’ life as fulfillment of biblical law and prophecy
• Organized around 5 discourses of Jesus:
1. chs 5-7, Sermon on the Mount
2. ch 10, Instructions for missionary disciples
3. ch 13, Parables of the kingdom of Heaven
4. ch 18, Sincere Discipleship
5. chs 24-25, End of the present age