1. Topic 5 Matthew : Jesus as Authoritative Teacher of God’s Will A. A.Circumstances of origin 1. 1.Authorship   Anonymous (all the gospels are).   Tradition: Matthew   One of the 12 disciples; tax collector.   Papias: “Matthew compiled the logia (sayings) in Aramaic...” (Harris, p. 158). 2. 2.Place: best guess is Antioch   Jewish Christian church in Greek-speaking area.   Earliest quotes from Ignatius of Antioch. 3. 3.Date: 75-90 AD 4. 4.Purpose: Manual of instruction for Jewish Christian church defining itself over against the synagogue.

2. B.Key themes in Matthew 1.The “Jewish Gospel.”  Relates Christian faith to its Jewish heritage.  Jesus and Church are fulfillment of Israel. 2.Fulfillment of prophecy.  “Formula quotations” (Harris, p. 156-57).  “These things happened in order to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…”  Mt. 1:22-23, quoting Isa. 7:14. 3.Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus.  Messiah – more frequent than Mk.  Son of God – by virtue of virgin birth (1:22-23); Emmanuel = “God (is) with us.”  Descent from Abraham (genealogy in 1:1-17).  Descent through David  Parallels with Moses  Messianic teacher

3. B.Key themes in Matthew 4.The Jewish Law  Jesus did not cancel Torah but “fulfilled” it (5:17).  The “Greater Righteousness” (5:20) – go beyond letter of law  The “Great Commandment” (22:34-40) – fulfills whole law  Love God with all your heart.  Love your neighbor as yourself. 5.The Church  Most “church-oriented” gospel; only gospel to speak of “church.”  Saying about founding of church inserted into story of Peter’s Confession (16:18).  Instructions on church discipline (18:15-17).  Church is “New Israel.”  Task: to live by Jesus’ teaching and to evangelize the world. 6.Eschatology  Extended time before Parousia.  Time for church’s mission.  Parousia will bring final judgment.

4. C. Outline of Matthew Five divisions - alternating Narrative (from Mk.) with Discourse (from Q, M). ch. 1-2Introduction: Birth narrative  Genealogy: Abraham – David – Jesus the Messiah  Role of Joseph  Birth in Bethlehem – David’s hometown  Visit of magi (wise men)  Conflict with Herod  Parallels with Moses – Herod’s slaughter; flight to Egypt  Move to Nazareth – insignificant Galilean village Structured by five discourses of Jesus: (1) Sermon on the Mount (ch. 5-7) (2) Mission Discourse (ch. 10) (3) Parables of the Kingdom (ch. 13) (4) Discourse on Church Discipline (ch. 18) (5) Eschatological Discourse (ch. 24-25)

5. Division I (ch. 3-7) Narrative (ch. 3-4) Discourse 1:Sermon on the Mount (ch. 5-7) Theme: “Demands of discipleship” 5:3-12Beatitudes (“blessings”) – emphasize grace  Confer God’s favor on the needy who utterly depend on God.  “Blessed” = “happy,” “fortunate.”  Paradoxical: turn ordinary expectations upside down; happiness is not apparent.  “Poor in spirit” = humble; aware of unworthiness.  “Mourners;” “meek” inherit earth; “hunger” for God’s justice.  “Merciful;” “pure in heart;” “peacemakers;” “persecuted.”  Eschatological: those who have/expect nothing in this world are promised salvation in God’s coming kingdom.  Comparison with Beatitudes in Luke 6:20-23:  Luke: “Blessed are you who are poor...you who are hungry” – addresses literal poverty/hunger, which will be reversed.  Matt.: “...the poor in spirit...those who hunger/thirst after righteousness” – spiritual qualities to be rewarded.  Beatitudes emphasize the grace of God’s kingdom – rest of Sermon emphasizes demand for radical obedience.

6. Discourse 1:Sermon on the Mount (ch. 5-7) – cont. 5:13-16Salt of the earth and light of the world 5:17-20The “Greater Righteousness”  Go beyond letter of the law. 5:21-48The “Antitheses”  “You have heard it said…but I say to you.”  Contrast Torah with Jesus’ demand.  Radicalize, intensify, internalize the commandments. 6:1-18Against hypocrisy: alms, prayer, fasting  Practice piety in secret to ensure pure motivation.  Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13) – prays for coming of God’s kingdom. 6:19-24True treasure 6:25-34Against anxiety 7:1-5Against judging others 7:7-11Encouragement to prayer 7:12Golden Rule (cf. Hillel) 7:13-14The narrow way 7:15-23Warning against false prophets 7:24-27The solid foundation 7:28-29Closing formula

7. Division II (ch. 8-10) Narrative (ch. 8-9) Discourse 2:Mission Discourse (ch. 10) Theme: “Warning of persecution and assurance of God’s care”  Mission of the Twelve – expands instructions in Mk. 6.  Uses material from Mk. 13 (eschatological discourse).  Persecution is not sign of the end; part of church’s continuing mission; promises God’s presence in midst of it. Division III (ch. 11-13) Narrative (ch. 11-12) Discourse 3:Parables of the Kingdom (ch. 13) Theme: “Demand for genuine commitment”  Final judgment will reveal authenticity of commitment.  Parable of Weeds and Wheat  Church is mixed body.  Not our place to sort out.  God’s judgment will decide.  Parable of the Treasure  Plowman finds buried treasure; sells all to buy field.  Kingdom is worth giving up everything.

8. Division IV (ch. 14-18) Narrative (ch. 14-17) Discourse 4:Discourse on Church Discipline (ch. 18) Theme: “Humility, forgiveness, care for the weak”  Warning against power struggles in church.  Care for the “little ones.”  Parable of Lost Sheep (Mt.): God’s care for weak members.  Dealing with disputes among church members.  Necessity of unlimited forgiveness. Division V (ch. 19-25) Narrative (ch. 19-23) Discourse 5:Eschatological Discourse (ch. 24-25) Theme: “Diligence needed because of delayed Parousia”  Modifies Mk. 13 to emphasize extended time before Parousia.  Need for diligence; warning against complacency.  Parable of Ten Maidens – need for diligence while “bridegroom” delays.  Parable of Sheep and Goats – final judgment is based on ministering to the needy without thought of reward.

9. ch. 26-28 Conclusion: Passion and Resurrection  Adds resurrection appearance in Galilee.  Great Commission (28:16-20)  Evangelize among all nations (baptize converts).  Instruct them in obedience to Jesus’ teaching.