The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Characteristics, Emphases, Characteristics, Emphases, ThemesThemes

MatthewMatthew

Presents Jesus’ attitude toward the Presents Jesus’ attitude toward the tradition of Jewish scribal teachingtradition of Jewish scribal teaching

Describes Jesus’ controversies with Describes Jesus’ controversies with the Jewish officialsthe Jewish officials

Traditionally identified as the most Traditionally identified as the most Jewish of the GospelsJewish of the Gospels

General CharacteristicsGeneral Characteristics

Strong dependence on OTStrong dependence on OT Applies many OT passages to Jesus’ Applies many OT passages to Jesus’

life and ministrylife and ministry Presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Presents Jesus as the fulfillment of

OT propheciesOT prophecies ““This was done to fulfill what was said . . This was done to fulfill what was said . .

. “. “

Discusses Jesus’ attitude toward OT lawDiscusses Jesus’ attitude toward OT law 5:17-20 “I came not to destroy but to fulfill 5:17-20 “I came not to destroy but to fulfill

the law and the prophets”the law and the prophets” Much of the Sermon on the Mount can be Much of the Sermon on the Mount can be

viewed in this light.viewed in this light. Genealogy: “son of David” – “son of Genealogy: “son of David” – “son of

Abraham”Abraham” The genealogy is divided into three The genealogy is divided into three

sections of 14 generations each.sections of 14 generations each. The number 14 comes from the letters in The number 14 comes from the letters in

“David” that add up to 14 – emphasizing “David” that add up to 14 – emphasizing Jesus’ Jewish royal descent.Jesus’ Jewish royal descent.

Compared to Moses as a teacherCompared to Moses as a teacher Presented as the giver of a new “law”Presented as the giver of a new “law”

Prefers the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” Prefers the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” (32x) over “Kingdom of God” (4x).(32x) over “Kingdom of God” (4x). Uses “Kingdom” 100xUses “Kingdom” 100x

Only Gospel to specify Jesus’ disciples Only Gospel to specify Jesus’ disciples are to go only to “the lost sheep of the are to go only to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (10:5f.; 15:24).house of Israel” (10:5f.; 15:24).

The only mention of the Samaritans is in The only mention of the Samaritans is in the prohibition of going to them (10:5).the prohibition of going to them (10:5).

Specific issues discussed that would Specific issues discussed that would be of interest to Jewish readers:be of interest to Jewish readers:

Fasting (6:16ff.)Fasting (6:16ff.) Sabbath (12:1ff.; 24:20)Sabbath (12:1ff.; 24:20) Temple offerings (5:23f)Temple offerings (5:23f) Temple tax (17:24ff.)Temple tax (17:24ff.)

Most antipharisaic of the gospels:Most antipharisaic of the gospels: Tension primarily on two points:Tension primarily on two points:

1.1. Their righteousness is external.Their righteousness is external.

2.2. Their tradition clashes with the word of Their tradition clashes with the word of God.God.

Matthew is the only Gospel to have:Matthew is the only Gospel to have: Trinitarian formula in connection with Trinitarian formula in connection with

baptismbaptism The statement that the Kingdom is taken The statement that the Kingdom is taken

from the Jews and given to others (21:43)from the Jews and given to others (21:43) ““except for fornication/unchasity” (5:32; except for fornication/unchasity” (5:32;

19:9)19:9) Judas’ repentance (27:3ff.) Judas’ repentance (27:3ff.) The raising of the dead at Jesus’ death The raising of the dead at Jesus’ death

(27:52f)(27:52f)

Strong interest in GentilesStrong interest in Gentiles The great commissionThe great commission 8:11f. – “I tell you, many will come from east 8:11f. – “I tell you, many will come from east

and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness.”outer darkness.”

12:21 “. . . and in his name Gentiles will hope”12:21 “. . . and in his name Gentiles will hope” 21:43 “. . .the kingdom of God will be taken 21:43 “. . .the kingdom of God will be taken

away from you and given to a nation producing away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.” (after the parable of the the fruits of it.” (after the parable of the vineyard)vineyard)

3:9; 22:8-10; 24:14; 26:133:9; 22:8-10; 24:14; 26:13

Matthew was the most used of the Matthew was the most used of the Gospels by the early Church (most Gospels by the early Church (most quotations)quotations)

1.1. Its practical use in showing the Its practical use in showing the connections between Jesus and the connections between Jesus and the Jewish heritage – useful in debates with Jewish heritage – useful in debates with Jews.Jews.

2.2. Useful collections of Jesus’ teaching for Useful collections of Jesus’ teaching for new converts (5-6 teaching sections)new converts (5-6 teaching sections)

3.3. It’s the most comprehensive of the It’s the most comprehensive of the Gospels.Gospels.

Authorship of MatthewAuthorship of Matthew

No statement regarding its authorNo statement regarding its author External evidence:External evidence:

Papias (Hierapolis, Phrygia, Asia Minor – d. Papias (Hierapolis, Phrygia, Asia Minor – d. 130)130)

““Matthew compiled the sayings (Matthew compiled the sayings (ta logiata logia) in the ) in the Aramaic language, and everyone interpreted Aramaic language, and everyone interpreted them as best he could.” them as best he could.”

Papias’ statement could also be read:“Matthew Papias’ statement could also be read:“Matthew composed the oracles (composed the oracles (ta logiata logia) in the Hebrew ) in the Hebrew language and everyone translated them as best language and everyone translated them as best he could.”he could.”

Irenaeus (d. 200) confirms Papias and Irenaeus (d. 200) confirms Papias and adds that Mt. was composed while Peter adds that Mt. was composed while Peter and Paul were founding the church in and Paul were founding the church in Rome.Rome.

Others claiming Matthew wrote it:Others claiming Matthew wrote it: Cyril of Jerusalem, Tertullian, Epiphanius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Tertullian, Epiphanius,

JeromeJerome In fact no one mentions anyone other In fact no one mentions anyone other

than Matthew as the author, nor says than Matthew as the author, nor says we don’t know who wrote it.we don’t know who wrote it.

Consistent testimony:Consistent testimony: Matthew wrote itMatthew wrote it In HebrewIn Hebrew

Martin Hengel argues that it is Martin Hengel argues that it is unlikely that the Gospels would have unlikely that the Gospels would have circulated for up to 60 years with no circulated for up to 60 years with no titles and then uniformly be given titles and then uniformly be given titles with no evidence of any other titles with no evidence of any other traditions regarding authorship.traditions regarding authorship.

So he claims the titles must “go back So he claims the titles must “go back to the time of the final redaction and to the time of the final redaction and first circulation of the Gospels first circulation of the Gospels themselves.” themselves.” (Studies in Mark, p. 82)(Studies in Mark, p. 82)

Some question whether Matthew Some question whether Matthew wrote it:wrote it: If Mark was first, it is unlikely an apostle If Mark was first, it is unlikely an apostle

would need to borrow from a non-would need to borrow from a non-apostle.apostle.

The Greek is too high quality for a Jewish The Greek is too high quality for a Jewish person to write.person to write.

As a tax collector, however, it would not be As a tax collector, however, it would not be unlikely for Matthew to have been fluent in unlikely for Matthew to have been fluent in more than Aramaic.more than Aramaic.

Occasion and PurposeOccasion and PurposeDifferent ProposalsDifferent Proposals

A conflict between the Church and the A conflict between the Church and the synagogue over the place of the Gentile synagogue over the place of the Gentile mission. Mt takes a mediating position.mission. Mt takes a mediating position.

Helping the Jewish Christian to Helping the Jewish Christian to understand the rejection they have understand the rejection they have received from their heritage.received from their heritage.

Offers a defense against the attacks by Offers a defense against the attacks by non-Christians toward Jewish Christians.non-Christians toward Jewish Christians.

Helping Jewish Christians and Gentile Helping Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians to accept each other in Christians to accept each other in this new community and to deal with this new community and to deal with the tension between the two races.the tension between the two races.

To help Gentile Christians have a To help Gentile Christians have a greater appreciation for their Jewish greater appreciation for their Jewish brethren by showing Jesus’ brethren by showing Jesus’ connection with the OT traditions.connection with the OT traditions.

To portray the Church as the “true To portray the Church as the “true Israel.”Israel.”

To encourage followers of Jesus to To encourage followers of Jesus to follow Jesus’ interpretation of God’s follow Jesus’ interpretation of God’s will over against the developing will over against the developing Pharisaic Judaism.Pharisaic Judaism.

Location and DateLocation and Date

Many favor Antioch of Syria as the Many favor Antioch of Syria as the area for whom Matthew was writing.area for whom Matthew was writing. Antioch is the first Church that had both a Antioch is the first Church that had both a

Jewish and Gentile membership.Jewish and Gentile membership. We know they struggled with Jew-Gentile We know they struggled with Jew-Gentile

relationships, but apparently eventually relationships, but apparently eventually worked it out. (Peter – Paul Acts 15, Gal worked it out. (Peter – Paul Acts 15, Gal 2)2)

This church was the first to launch a This church was the first to launch a mission to the Gentiles.mission to the Gentiles.

Dating Matthew is difficultDating Matthew is difficult Depends on one’s view of the synoptic Depends on one’s view of the synoptic

problemproblem If he used Mark, then after MarkIf he used Mark, then after Mark This would put Mt. after the mid 60’s.This would put Mt. after the mid 60’s. Matthew deals with problems that existed as Matthew deals with problems that existed as

early as the 30’s (Jew – Gentile relationships)early as the 30’s (Jew – Gentile relationships) However, it is more likely he was writing However, it is more likely he was writing

much later; these same problems persisted.much later; these same problems persisted. The struggles with Judaism increased later.The struggles with Judaism increased later. General date: 60’s – 80.General date: 60’s – 80.

Structure of MatthewStructure of Matthew

Two primary proposalsTwo primary proposals

1.1. Five-fold division into discourses Five-fold division into discourses preceded by five narrative sections, each preceded by five narrative sections, each followed by a formula statement: “When followed by a formula statement: “When Jesus had finished these things . . .) Silva, Jesus had finished these things . . .) Silva, p 239.p 239.

2.2. Three major sections set off by the Three major sections set off by the statement: “From that time, Jesus began statement: “From that time, Jesus began to . . .” (4:17; 16:21).to . . .” (4:17; 16:21).

The Person of Jesus 1:1-4:16The Person of Jesus 1:1-4:16

The Proclamation of Jesus 4:17-16:20The Proclamation of Jesus 4:17-16:20

The Suffering, Death and Resurrection of The Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus 16:21-28:20Jesus 16:21-28:20

““From that time Jesus began to . . .”From that time Jesus began to . . .”

4:17 . . . preach, saying, ‘Repent for the 4:17 . . . preach, saying, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!’Kingdom of heaven is at hand!’

16:21 . . .show his disciples that he must go 16:21 . . .show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and on the third day be and be killed and on the third day be raised.raised.

The Disciples in MatthewThe Disciples in Matthew

Matthew presents the disciples as Matthew presents the disciples as having less struggles in understanding having less struggles in understanding Jesus’ teaching and ministry than they Jesus’ teaching and ministry than they do in Mark.do in Mark. After Jesus walked on the water: Mark said After Jesus walked on the water: Mark said

the disciples did not understand about the the disciples did not understand about the loaves; Matthew indicated they worshipped loaves; Matthew indicated they worshipped Jesus as the son of God (Mk 6:51f; Mt. 14:33)Jesus as the son of God (Mk 6:51f; Mt. 14:33)

Other examples: Mt. 16:12 & Mk. 8:21; Mt. Other examples: Mt. 16:12 & Mk. 8:21; Mt. 17:23 & Mk.9:32; Mt. 17:22f & Mk. 9:33ff.17:23 & Mk.9:32; Mt. 17:22f & Mk. 9:33ff.

Jesus and the People of GodJesus and the People of God

Matthew reinforces the continuity Matthew reinforces the continuity between the Christians and the Jewish between the Christians and the Jewish heritage by presenting Jesus as the heritage by presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvationfulfillment of God’s plan of salvation

Matthew shows how they fit into this Matthew shows how they fit into this plan so that all the opposition they plan so that all the opposition they receive from their Jewish (or Gentile) receive from their Jewish (or Gentile) opponents will not discourage them.opponents will not discourage them.

Emphasis on fulfillment of prophecyEmphasis on fulfillment of prophecy Jesus’ continuity with leaders of the Jesus’ continuity with leaders of the

pastpast Abraham; Moses; David; etc.Abraham; Moses; David; etc.

Jesus as the new teacher of Israel (as Jesus as the new teacher of Israel (as Moses had been)Moses had been)

Giving the new law/halakha (Sermon Giving the new law/halakha (Sermon on the Mount)on the Mount)

The Sermon on the Mount in The Sermon on the Mount in MatthewMatthew

The first teaching section – most The first teaching section – most prominentprominent At the end, the people are amazed at his At the end, the people are amazed at his

teachingteaching It sets the stage for Jesus’ ideas on some of It sets the stage for Jesus’ ideas on some of

the issues of the day: righteousness, the the issues of the day: righteousness, the law, marriage, practicing religion (giving to law, marriage, practicing religion (giving to the poor, fasting, praying, etc.)the poor, fasting, praying, etc.)

As readers see this, they know where As readers see this, they know where Jesus stands on various issues.Jesus stands on various issues.

It also shows what type of people It also shows what type of people Jesus expects his followers to be.Jesus expects his followers to be.

Righteous as God is righteousRighteous as God is righteous ““Perfect” as the father is perfect (in Perfect” as the father is perfect (in

love)love) Consistent, whole, etc.Consistent, whole, etc.

Reminiscent of Lev. 19:2 - You be Reminiscent of Lev. 19:2 - You be holy for I the Lord your God am holy.holy for I the Lord your God am holy.

Matthew’s AudienceMatthew’s Audience(Donald Hagner, (Donald Hagner, MatthewMatthew))

Matthew's original readers were in this Matthew's original readers were in this unenviable position, in a kind of "no man's unenviable position, in a kind of "no man's land" between their Jewish brothers and land" between their Jewish brothers and sisters, on the one hand, and gentile sisters, on the one hand, and gentile Christians, on the otherChristians, on the other..

, Matthew's readers needed an account , Matthew's readers needed an account of the story of Jesus that would enable of the story of Jesus that would enable them to relate both to unbelieving Jews them to relate both to unbelieving Jews and to Gentile Christians. and to Gentile Christians.

The evangelist's community thus shared in The evangelist's community thus shared in two worlds, the Jewish and the Christian. two worlds, the Jewish and the Christian.

They were struggling to define and defend They were struggling to define and defend a Jewish Christianity to the Jews, on the a Jewish Christianity to the Jews, on the one hand, and to realize their identity with one hand, and to realize their identity with gentile Christians, on the other. gentile Christians, on the other.

This twofold challenge explains the basic This twofold challenge explains the basic tensions encountered in the Gospeltensions encountered in the Gospel..

From: Donald A. Hagner, From: Donald A. Hagner, Word Biblical Commentary, Word Biblical Commentary, Matthew 1-13Matthew 1-13, Vol. 33A, Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1993, pp. , Vol. 33A, Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1993, pp. xx-xxi.xx-xxi.