I. What is the Book of Matthew?
The Book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. It is believed to have been written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ disciples. The book is considered to be one of the synoptic Gospels, along with Mark and Luke, as it shares many similarities in content and structure with these two books.
The Book of Matthew is divided into five main sections, each focusing on a different aspect of Jesus’ life and teachings. These sections include the genealogy of Jesus, his birth and early life, his ministry and teachings, his crucifixion and resurrection, and his final instructions to his disciples.
II. Who is the author of the Book of Matthew?
As mentioned earlier, the author of the Book of Matthew is traditionally believed to be the apostle Matthew. He was a tax collector before being called by Jesus to become one of his disciples. Matthew is also known as Levi in the Bible, and he is mentioned in the Gospels of Mark and Luke as well.
Matthew was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings and establish the early Christian church. He is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew, which is considered to be one of the most important books in the New Testament.
III. What is the purpose of the Book of Matthew?
The primary purpose of the Book of Matthew is to present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The book emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity, highlighting his teachings, miracles, and sacrificial death on the cross.
In addition to presenting Jesus as the Messiah, the Book of Matthew also aims to instruct and inspire believers to live a life of faith and obedience to God. The book contains many moral teachings and parables that serve as a guide for Christian living and discipleship.
IV. What are the key themes in the Book of Matthew?
Some of the key themes in the Book of Matthew include the kingdom of God, repentance, faith, and discipleship. The book emphasizes the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and living a life of righteousness and holiness. It also stresses the need for repentance and faith in Jesus as the only way to salvation.
Another important theme in the Book of Matthew is the concept of discipleship. Jesus calls his followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. The book highlights the cost of discipleship and the rewards of following Jesus wholeheartedly.
V. What are some notable stories or parables in the Book of Matthew?
The Book of Matthew contains many notable stories and parables that are well-known to Christians around the world. Some of the most famous ones include the Sermon on the Mount, the parable of the sower, the feeding of the five thousand, the calming of the storm, and the parable of the lost sheep.
These stories and parables serve as powerful illustrations of Jesus’ teachings and reveal important truths about God’s kingdom and the nature of faith. They are often used as lessons for believers to learn from and apply to their own lives.
VI. How does the Book of Matthew fit into the overall narrative of the Bible?
The Book of Matthew is an essential part of the Bible and plays a crucial role in the overall narrative of salvation history. It serves as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament, connecting the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures with their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The book presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who came to fulfill the law and the prophets and establish God’s kingdom on earth. It shows how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the culmination of God’s plan of redemption for humanity and the fulfillment of his promises to his people.
In conclusion, the Book of Matthew is a rich and powerful account of Jesus’ life and teachings that continues to inspire and instruct believers today. It presents Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of the world, calling all people to repentance, faith, and discipleship. Its themes of the kingdom of God, repentance, faith, and discipleship are timeless and relevant to believers of all ages. The book’s stories and parables continue to captivate and challenge readers, inviting them to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith in practical ways. The Book of Matthew is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and insight that continues to impact the lives of countless individuals around the world.