The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, is a rich and comprehensive account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Attributed to the apostle Matthew, a tax collector who became a disciple of Jesus, the book is characterized by its Jewish perspective and emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Authorship:
It is traditionally attributed to Matthew, the tax collector and one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. While some debate exists over the authorship, the Gospel bears the name Matthew and has been widely accepted as his work.
Date and Audience:
The Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written between AD 70 and 90. It is often considered to have been composed for a primarily Jewish-Christian audience, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers. Matthew employs Jewish terminology and cultural references, reflecting its intended audience and highlighting the fulfillment of Jewish messianic expectations.
The Gospel of Matthew provides a foundation for understanding the identity and mission of Jesus Christ, the principles of discipleship, and the gospel’s transformative power. The book continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians worldwide.
Some people don’t like ‘red letter’ Bibles but in Matthew there is a lot of ‘red’ – especially Matthew 5, 6, 7 – The Sermon On The Mount. There is some really good teaching by Jesus on the practical aspects of life.
The Month of April will be focused on The Sermon On The Mount!