NT Survey I Overview of Gospels and Gospel of Matthew

Overview of the Gospels The term gospel means “good news.” The term gospel means “good news.” For a number of years after Jesus’ earthly ministry, the gospel message was spread orally. For a number of years after Jesus’ earthly ministry, the gospel message was spread orally. Written accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry were necessary as eyewitnesses began to die off and the spread of Christianity required more than oral witnesses. Written accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry were necessary as eyewitnesses began to die off and the spread of Christianity required more than oral witnesses. Each gospel writer, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, chose from all that Jesus taught and did and constructed his account with a particular audience in mind and for a particular purpose. Each gospel writer, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, chose from all that Jesus taught and did and constructed his account with a particular audience in mind and for a particular purpose. Matthew – writing to Jews as an apostolic eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus; emphasizes Jesus as Messiah, the kingdom. Matthew – writing to Jews as an apostolic eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus; emphasizes Jesus as Messiah, the kingdom. Mark – a close associate of the Apostle Peter, his gospel account to Gentiles summarizes Peter’s preaching; emphasizes Jesus as Servant and Son of God who is to be followed. Mark – a close associate of the Apostle Peter, his gospel account to Gentiles summarizes Peter’s preaching; emphasizes Jesus as Servant and Son of God who is to be followed. Luke – a close associate of Paul and a careful historian, writing to Gentiles; only non-Jewish writer in the NT; emphasizes Jesus as Son of Man. Wrote largest percentage of NT. Luke – a close associate of Paul and a careful historian, writing to Gentiles; only non-Jewish writer in the NT; emphasizes Jesus as Son of Man. Wrote largest percentage of NT. John – Like Matthew, an apostolic eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus. His is an evangelistic gospel written to unbelieving Jews and Godfearers and emphasizing Jesus as the Son of God. John – Like Matthew, an apostolic eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus. His is an evangelistic gospel written to unbelieving Jews and Godfearers and emphasizing Jesus as the Son of God.

Synoptic Gospel Source Theories Two-Source Hypothesis Two-Source Hypothesis Matthean Priority and Literary Independence Matthean Priority and Literary Independence Q A.D. 50 MARK A.D. 65 MATTHEW LUKE Eyewitness Sources Personal Notations Eyewitnesses Oral Tradition MATTHEW (Eyewitness) A.D LUKE A.D MARK A.D. 68 Peter (Eyewitness)

Gospel of Matthew

Introductory Matters Author Author Though the writer does not identify himself, both church tradition and early manuscripts ascribe this gospel to the Apostle Matthew. Though the writer does not identify himself, both church tradition and early manuscripts ascribe this gospel to the Apostle Matthew. Matthew (aka Levi) a former tax collector for the Roman government, called as an Apostle of Jesus Christ (Matt. 9:9). Matthew (aka Levi) a former tax collector for the Roman government, called as an Apostle of Jesus Christ (Matt. 9:9). Date: Written before 70 AD. Scholars differ on how early, with a range from 40 to 60 AD. Date: Written before 70 AD. Scholars differ on how early, with a range from 40 to 60 AD. Audience: Jews, as is clear from Matthew’s purpose in writing and frequent appeals to the OT. Audience: Jews, as is clear from Matthew’s purpose in writing and frequent appeals to the OT.

Major Themes in Matthew God – this term appears some 48 times; all 3 members of the trinity are referred to. God – this term appears some 48 times; all 3 members of the trinity are referred to. Kingdom of Heaven/Kingdom of God/King Kingdom of Heaven/Kingdom of God/King “Fulfillment” of the OT “Fulfillment” of the OT The Teaching (including parables) and Miracles of Jesus The Teaching (including parables) and Miracles of Jesus

Purpose Statement for Matthew Matthew writes to demonstrate to his fellow Jews that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, and that He will return to rule in power and glory despite Israel’s rejection of Him. Matthew writes to demonstrate to his fellow Jews that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, and that He will return to rule in power and glory despite Israel’s rejection of Him.

Structure of Matthew Six Major Discourses Six Major Discourses Sermon on the Mount (5:1 – 7:29) – Jesus contrasts the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees with His own, revealing the true intent of the Law. Sermon on the Mount (5:1 – 7:29) – Jesus contrasts the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees with His own, revealing the true intent of the Law. Sending out the Twelve (10:1 – 11:1) – Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the same message He had, gave them power to perform the same authenticating works, and warned them of the opposition they would face. Sending out the Twelve (10:1 – 11:1) – Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the same message He had, gave them power to perform the same authenticating works, and warned them of the opposition they would face. Mysteries of the Kingdom (13:1-53) – Jesus turns to a parabolic ministry in light of His rejection by Israel’s leaders. These parables provide new revelation about the nature of the kingdom until His second coming. Mysteries of the Kingdom (13:1-53) – Jesus turns to a parabolic ministry in light of His rejection by Israel’s leaders. These parables provide new revelation about the nature of the kingdom until His second coming.

Structure of Matthew Six Major Discourses Six Major Discourses Character of Kingdom Citizens (18:1 – 19:1) – Jesus makes clear that those who wish to be great in His kingdom must become like children. They must also be willing to humbly confront others and to forgive others. Character of Kingdom Citizens (18:1 – 19:1) – Jesus makes clear that those who wish to be great in His kingdom must become like children. They must also be willing to humbly confront others and to forgive others. Rebuke of Israel’s Leaders (23:1-39) – Jesus soundly rebukes the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, and predicts the desolation of Jerusalem (23:37-39). Rebuke of Israel’s Leaders (23:1-39) – Jesus soundly rebukes the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, and predicts the desolation of Jerusalem (23:37-39). Olivet Discourse (24:1 – 26:1) – Jesus teaches His disciples about events of Daniel’s 70 th week, culminating in His return to the earth and the establishment of His kingdom. This discourse also includes parables on faithfulness in the present age. Olivet Discourse (24:1 – 26:1) – Jesus teaches His disciples about events of Daniel’s 70 th week, culminating in His return to the earth and the establishment of His kingdom. This discourse also includes parables on faithfulness in the present age.

Three Major Movements in Matthew Matthew 1 – 10 Matthew 1 – 10 The presentation of Jesus of Nazareth as the indisputable King of the Jews, including His Davidic lineage, prophesied birth and forerunner, fitness to rule, and authoritative teaching and works. The presentation of Jesus of Nazareth as the indisputable King of the Jews, including His Davidic lineage, prophesied birth and forerunner, fitness to rule, and authoritative teaching and works. Matthew 11 – 12 Matthew 11 – 12 In these two chapters Matthew shows how most of those to whom Christ ministered rejected Him. While opposition to Christ had begun as early as Herod’s attempt to have Him killed as an infant, and continued throughout Jesus’ public ministry, it is here that it reaches critical mass. In these two chapters Matthew shows how most of those to whom Christ ministered rejected Him. While opposition to Christ had begun as early as Herod’s attempt to have Him killed as an infant, and continued throughout Jesus’ public ministry, it is here that it reaches critical mass. Matthew 13 – 28 Matthew 13 – 28 Chapter 13 begins the final section of Matthew’s gospel, in which he describes the remainder of Jesus’ ministry in light of His rejection by the nation’s leaders. Jesus provides new instruction about the kingdom to His disciples in light of this rejection, much of it in parables. Chapter 13 begins the final section of Matthew’s gospel, in which he describes the remainder of Jesus’ ministry in light of His rejection by the nation’s leaders. Jesus provides new instruction about the kingdom to His disciples in light of this rejection, much of it in parables.

Outline of Matthew Matthew 1 – 10 Matthew 1 – 10 Presentation of the King (1 – 4) Presentation of the King (1 – 4) Documents Jesus’ davidic lineage, birth, forerunner, fitness to rule (temptation), and opening public ministry. Documents Jesus’ davidic lineage, birth, forerunner, fitness to rule (temptation), and opening public ministry. Proclamation of the King (5 – 7) Proclamation of the King (5 – 7) Theme passage of this sermon is 5: Christ is contrasting the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees with His own authoritative teaching and clarifying the true intent of the Law. Theme passage of this sermon is 5: Christ is contrasting the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees with His own authoritative teaching and clarifying the true intent of the Law. Power of the King (8 – 10) Power of the King (8 – 10) Miraculous works performed by Christ as a messianic ID card. Power given to the apostles as well. Miraculous works performed by Christ as a messianic ID card. Power given to the apostles as well. Matthew Matthew Progressive Rejection of the King (11 – 12) Progressive Rejection of the King (11 – 12) Transitional chapters that show that most of those to whom Christ ministered, especially the religious leaders, did not believe (see 11:20-24 and 12:22-24). Prompts Christ’s turn to a parabolic ministry. Transitional chapters that show that most of those to whom Christ ministered, especially the religious leaders, did not believe (see 11:20-24 and 12:22-24). Prompts Christ’s turn to a parabolic ministry. Matthew 13 – 28 Matthew 13 – 28 Preparation of the King’s Disciples (13 – 20) Preparation of the King’s Disciples (13 – 20) Jesus begins to spend more time with His disciples and less with the multitudes. After leading the disciples to Peter’s great confession (16:16), Christ begins to speak explicitly about His impending death and resurrection (16:21). Jesus begins to spend more time with His disciples and less with the multitudes. After leading the disciples to Peter’s great confession (16:16), Christ begins to speak explicitly about His impending death and resurrection (16:21). Presentation and Rejection of the King (21 – 27) Presentation and Rejection of the King (21 – 27) The final week of Christ’s life, including the triumphal entry, teaching in the Temple and on the Mount of Olives, last supper, betrayal, arrest and trial, crucifixion and burial. The final week of Christ’s life, including the triumphal entry, teaching in the Temple and on the Mount of Olives, last supper, betrayal, arrest and trial, crucifixion and burial. Proof of the King (28) Proof of the King (28) He is risen! Christ’s commission to the disciples. He is risen! Christ’s commission to the disciples.

United King. Northern Kingdom Southern Kingdom 722 BC 586 BC 1000 years New heavens & earth The Mediatorial Kingdom of God through History 7 “Mysteries of the Kingdom” (Matt 13) Descent of the Spirit Rapture Return of Christ

Matthew’s Use of the Old Testament The formula: “that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled” or something similar. The formula: “that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled” or something similar. Not always a simple prediction and fulfillment (see “Biblical Meaning of ‘Fulfillment’” by Charles H. Dyer). Matthew’s meaning must be determined by context both in the OT and the NT. Not always a simple prediction and fulfillment (see “Biblical Meaning of ‘Fulfillment’” by Charles H. Dyer). Matthew’s meaning must be determined by context both in the OT and the NT. Examples: Examples: “Out of Egypt did I call my Son” (Hos 11:1-2 in Matt 2:15). “Out of Egypt did I call my Son” (Hos 11:1-2 in Matt 2:15). “Rachel weeping for her children” (Jer 31:15 in Matt 2:17-18). “Rachel weeping for her children” (Jer 31:15 in Matt 2:17-18). Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zech 9:9 in Matt 21:4-5). Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zech 9:9 in Matt 21:4-5).

Next Week: Gospel of Mark