Today’s Quiz If the street language during the incarnation of our God was Aramaic, what language do the current (21st century) Jews speak and why? What are the Characteristics of St Matthew's Gospel?

Lecture 4 Conclusion; the Gospel of St Matthew Who is St Matthew? Languages during the incarnation of our Lord? Things that confirm, St Matthew wrote to the Hebrew/Jews: The genealogy of Christ: Abraham → David → Christ. Our lord Christ visit to Egypt. Quoted and refereed to Old Testament prophecies; portrayed Christ as a fulfillment & completion of the OT. Emphasises on the traditions and rituals of the Jews St Matthew did not (P35) explain the Jewish traditions & customs (Passover, Holy City, Raca Korban). Stated what Christ said to the Canaanite women, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Mentioned: The 3 main corner-stones of the Jewish worship (Charitable deeds, prayer & fasting, in 6:1, 5 & 16). The Temple Tax (in 17:24-27) and Tithes in (23:23). The washing of hands as action of purification from blood (in 27:24). Purpose of St Matthew Gospel: Dogmatic, Apologetic and Liturgical

What are the Characteristics of St Matthew's Gospel? Doctrinal: brought together Christ’s doctrines that deal with the same subject (topic) in one setting (objective way), regardless of the chronological order-focusing on 5 main discourses (dialogues): Sermon on the Mountain (Ch:5-7), as a contrast between the righteousness of the OT & that of the NT Instructions to the apostles (Ch:10) Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven (Ch:13) The required qualifications to be a disciple (follower) of Christ (Ch:18). Eschatological discourses and prophetic teachings about the Latter Day, end of the world & the desolation of Jerusalem (Ch: 23-25)

The Characteristics of St Matthew’s Gospel Semitism: concerning the Messiah and His Kingdom, the king of Israel and the only savior of human race. The Redeemer was refused by the Jews who resisted & crucified Him. Our Lord Christ came to restore the fallen Davidic Kingdom: Genealogy of Christ (Ch.1). Ch: 2:2 “ Christ is the King of the Jews!” Ch:10:5, 6 “…but go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” Ch:15:24 “…I was not sent except to the lost sheep of Israel.” Ch:19:28 “…you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” St Matthew indicates in depth the relationship between Christianity and the OT showing how much the early church was taken up with searching the fulfillment of the prophecies in Christ, who came not to destroy the law but to fulfill.