Matthew 1:1-25 Lesson 1
Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."
The Gospel According To St. Matthew
"Christ, the King of Kings"
"The Kingdom of Heaven."
Authorship:
Although the Bible doesn't say so, biblical scholars tell us that Matthew, one of the original twelve disciples (10:2-3; Mark 3:14-18; Luke 6:13-15), wrote this Gospel. Matthew, whose Jewish name was Levi, was born in Galilee. He was the son of Alpheus (Mark 2:14) and worked as a publican (tax collector) for the Roman government at the toll house in Capernaum when he was called to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27). Immediately after answering Jesus' call Matthew celebrated with "a great banquet" in his home (Luke 5:29), and then traveled with the Messiah as His constant companion and record keeper. Matthew's Gospel is his eyewitness account of what he heard and saw during his years with Jesus. Because it was influenced by the Holy Spirit, "The Gospel According To St. Matthew" is entirely credible. Written sometime between AD 57 and 65 (before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.), the book of Matthew was probably penned in Hebrew and translated into Greek some fifteen years later. Matthew is last named in Acts 1:13 as one of the twelve in the upper room after Jesus' ascension. It is uncertain whether Matthew died of natural causes or was killed for his Christian faith.
Purpose and Theme:
When Jesus was born, Israel was occupied by the Roman army. The Jewish people yearned for a Savior to free them
from their oppressors and restore their nation. The Old Testament promised a Messiah would someday come and be their salvation. Jews believed their Savior would be a great military/political leader who would drive the Romans out of Israel. Little did they know, that the promised Messiah would be a different type of Savior.
It is not an accident that the New Testament begins with Matthew's Gospel; it is the connecting link between the Old and New Testaments. Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience. It is filled with Old Testament references and predictions meant to show Jews that Christ was the long-awaited Savior come to free mankind from sin and inaugurate God's Kingdom on earth. To read these Old Testament references and prophecies for yourself, click on the links.
It is essential to study Matthew to understand the Bible. Matthew is the story of Jesus' Incarnation, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. It emphasizes Jesus' Galilean ministry and contains sixty-five references to the Old Testament (forty-three quotes). Because it shows how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, "The Gospel According To St. Matthew" is frequently called the "Gospel of Fulfillment." Jesus Himself said; "I am not come
to destroy, but to fulfill" (5:17).
By opening with Jesus' genealogy, Matthew shows that Jesus is a descendant of King David and Abraham (as prophesied in the Old Testament). Matthew lists five women in Jesus' genealogy; Tamar, Rahab (the harlot), and Bathsheba (Uriah's wife) are three of them. You can read more about them in Genesis 38:6-30 (Tamar), Joshua 2:1-21, Joshua 6:17-25 (Rahab), and 2 Samuel 11 (Bathsheba).
Matthew contains the Sermon on the Mount and some of Jesus' most memorable parables.
Although the Bible doesn't say so, biblical scholars tell us that Matthew, one of the original twelve disciples (10:2-3; Mark 3:14-18; Luke 6:13-15), wrote this Gospel. Matthew, whose Jewish name was Levi, was born in Galilee. He was the son of Alpheus (Mark 2:14) and worked as a publican (tax collector) for the Roman government at the toll house in Capernaum when he was called to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27). Immediately after answering Jesus' call Matthew celebrated with "a great banquet" in his home (Luke 5:29), and then traveled with the Messiah as His constant companion and record keeper. Matthew's Gospel is his eyewitness account of what he heard and saw during his years with Jesus. Because it was influenced by the Holy Spirit, "The Gospel According To St. Matthew" is entirely credible. Written sometime between AD 57 and 65 (before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.), the book of Matthew was probably penned in Hebrew and translated into Greek some fifteen years later. Matthew is last named in Acts 1:13 as one of the twelve in the upper room after Jesus' ascension. It is uncertain whether Matthew died of natural causes or was killed for his Christian faith.
Purpose and Theme:
When Jesus was born, Israel was occupied by the Roman army. The Jewish people yearned for a Savior to free them
from their oppressors and restore their nation. The Old Testament promised a Messiah would someday come and be their salvation. Jews believed their Savior would be a great military/political leader who would drive the Romans out of Israel. Little did they know, that the promised Messiah would be a different type of Savior.
It is not an accident that the New Testament begins with Matthew's Gospel; it is the connecting link between the Old and New Testaments. Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience. It is filled with Old Testament references and predictions meant to show Jews that Christ was the long-awaited Savior come to free mankind from sin and inaugurate God's Kingdom on earth. To read these Old Testament references and prophecies for yourself, click on the links.
It is essential to study Matthew to understand the Bible. Matthew is the story of Jesus' Incarnation, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. It emphasizes Jesus' Galilean ministry and contains sixty-five references to the Old Testament (forty-three quotes). Because it shows how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, "The Gospel According To St. Matthew" is frequently called the "Gospel of Fulfillment." Jesus Himself said; "I am not come
to destroy, but to fulfill" (5:17).
By opening with Jesus' genealogy, Matthew shows that Jesus is a descendant of King David and Abraham (as prophesied in the Old Testament). Matthew lists five women in Jesus' genealogy; Tamar, Rahab (the harlot), and Bathsheba (Uriah's wife) are three of them. You can read more about them in Genesis 38:6-30 (Tamar), Joshua 2:1-21, Joshua 6:17-25 (Rahab), and 2 Samuel 11 (Bathsheba).
Matthew contains the Sermon on the Mount and some of Jesus' most memorable parables.
Matthew is broken down into six parts:
1) Jesus' genealogy, birth, and childhood (1:1 - 2:23)
2) John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus' ministry; Jesus is baptized and tempted (3:1 - 4:11)
3) Jesus begins His ministry (4:12 - 4:25)
4) The Sermon on the Mount (5:1 - 7:29)
5) Miracles; teachings; parables (8:1 - 20:16)
6) The suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ (20:17 - 28:20)
1) Jesus' genealogy, birth, and childhood (1:1 - 2:23)
2) John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus' ministry; Jesus is baptized and tempted (3:1 - 4:11)
3) Jesus begins His ministry (4:12 - 4:25)
4) The Sermon on the Mount (5:1 - 7:29)
5) Miracles; teachings; parables (8:1 - 20:16)
6) The suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ (20:17 - 28:20)
Study Tip:
It helps to study more than one Bible translation. As you read each lesson, scroll back and forth between the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation" below. Also, check the "margin notes" in blue and click on the links.
It helps to study more than one Bible translation. As you read each lesson, scroll back and forth between the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation" below. Also, check the "margin notes" in blue and click on the links.
Who was -
David -
David was a Jewish prophet, the author of about eighty Psalms in "The Book of Psalms," the second and greatest king of Israel, and more importantly, a direct ancestor of Jesus (Acts 2:29-30). David was born in Bethlehem and spent his early years as a poet and shepherd until invited to play the harp for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Meeting King Saul changed his life forever. At about the age of twenty, David killed Goliath of Gath in battle (1 Samuel 17:1-58) and eventually married
Saul's daughter Michal. In time, the accomplished David was forced to flee from a jealous King Saul (1 Samuel 18:6-16) to the land of the Philistines. After Saul and his son Ishbosheth (heir to the throne) passed away, David returned to Israel, became king (2 Samuel 5:1-5), and ushered in a golden era for Israel. David could lead others (1 Samuel 22:2) and his reign was known for its fairness as he established a sound civil government. God considered David as "a man after his own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) and although David sinned many times, he always repented and received God's forgiveness. David died at the age of seventy (2 Samuel 5:4) and his son Solomon became Israel's third king. It was important for Matthew to give Jesus' genealogy and show that the Messiah was descended from King David (1:1), thus fulfilling the Old Testament prophesies. David's story can be read in 1 Samuel 16:1-31:13; 2 Samuel 1:1-18:33; 2 Samuel 19:1-1 Kings 2:46.
Abraham -
The father of all Jews (Romans 4:11-16; Galatians 3:7), spiritual forefather of Christians (Galatians 3:29), and a "friend" of
God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). Abraham was also called the "Father of a multitude," "exalted Father" and Abram (Genesis 15:1; 17:4-5). Born in Ur (present-day Iraq), Abraham is perhaps the greatest of the Old Testament personalities. His story is part of almost every eastern religion including Islam where he is considered the father of all Arab peoples through his son Ishmael. A man of tremendous faith, Abraham left his home and family for another country simply because God asked him to (Genesis 12:1; Acts 7:2-4). When God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a "burnt offering," Abraham's faith that God knew best was so strong he set off to obey (Genesis 22:1-10). When Abraham proved he placed his love of God above all else and prepared to knife his own son, God sent an angel to save the boy (Genesis 22:11-13). It was his deep trust in God that allowed Abraham to pass this test and earn God's promise (the Abrahamic Covenant) to make his descendants (the Israelites) a great and populous people (Genesis 17:2-7; 22:16-18; 26:4; 24) and to bless the Gentiles through him (Genesis 12:2-3; 15:1-21; 18:18; 22:18; 28:14; Exodus 32:13). Abraham's deeds frequently disappointed God but he never lost his righteousness because it is never deeds that earn
righteousness, it is faith (Genesis 15:6). Abraham died at the age of one hundred seventy-five (Genesis 25:7) and was buried alongside his wife Sarah in a cave at Machpelah (Genesis 23:9; 25:7-10). Centuries later a Christian church was built over the cave. Subsequently, the church was converted into an Islamic Mosque. By Tracing Jesus' roots back to Abraham, Matthew proves that the Messiah's lineage dates back to the beginning of the Jewish nation. You can read more about Abraham in Genesis 11:26-25:34.
Joseph -
The earthly father of Jesus Christ. Born in Bethlehem, Joseph moved to Nazareth in Galilee and became a carpenter. Joseph was engaged to Mary when he learned she was pregnant. Joseph decided to end their engagement (1:19) until he was visited by an angel and assured that Mary's child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (1:18). Joseph married Mary and helped raise the young Jesus. We last see Joseph in Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old (Luke 2:41-52). When
Joseph died is unknown. Despite the implication in Matthew 13:55 and John 6:42 that he lived long enough to see Jesus begin His ministry, most scholars believe he died during Jesus' teen years.
Mary -
The mother of Jesus (Luke 1:35), also called the Virgin Mary. Mary was the daughter of Heli from the Jewish tribe of Judah and a descendant of King David. Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, was her cousin. A woman of great faith and humility, Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would give birth to the Messiah. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Mary and her husband, Joseph fled to Egypt with the baby to escape the death sentence put on the infant Messiah by King Herod (Matthew 2:13-14). When Herod died, they returned to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23). Mary receives only a few brief mentions in the Bible after Jesus started His ministry, but she was at Calvary and witnessed the crucifixion (John 19:25-27). It was during the crucifixion that Jesus asked His disciple John to care for His mother (John 19:26-27). Mary is last seen in Acts 1:13-14 praying with the disciples. The time and details of her death are unknown, but many Bible scholars believe Mary lived out the rest of her life traveling with John.
David -
David was a Jewish prophet, the author of about eighty Psalms in "The Book of Psalms," the second and greatest king of Israel, and more importantly, a direct ancestor of Jesus (Acts 2:29-30). David was born in Bethlehem and spent his early years as a poet and shepherd until invited to play the harp for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Meeting King Saul changed his life forever. At about the age of twenty, David killed Goliath of Gath in battle (1 Samuel 17:1-58) and eventually married
Saul's daughter Michal. In time, the accomplished David was forced to flee from a jealous King Saul (1 Samuel 18:6-16) to the land of the Philistines. After Saul and his son Ishbosheth (heir to the throne) passed away, David returned to Israel, became king (2 Samuel 5:1-5), and ushered in a golden era for Israel. David could lead others (1 Samuel 22:2) and his reign was known for its fairness as he established a sound civil government. God considered David as "a man after his own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) and although David sinned many times, he always repented and received God's forgiveness. David died at the age of seventy (2 Samuel 5:4) and his son Solomon became Israel's third king. It was important for Matthew to give Jesus' genealogy and show that the Messiah was descended from King David (1:1), thus fulfilling the Old Testament prophesies. David's story can be read in 1 Samuel 16:1-31:13; 2 Samuel 1:1-18:33; 2 Samuel 19:1-1 Kings 2:46.
Abraham -
The father of all Jews (Romans 4:11-16; Galatians 3:7), spiritual forefather of Christians (Galatians 3:29), and a "friend" of
God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). Abraham was also called the "Father of a multitude," "exalted Father" and Abram (Genesis 15:1; 17:4-5). Born in Ur (present-day Iraq), Abraham is perhaps the greatest of the Old Testament personalities. His story is part of almost every eastern religion including Islam where he is considered the father of all Arab peoples through his son Ishmael. A man of tremendous faith, Abraham left his home and family for another country simply because God asked him to (Genesis 12:1; Acts 7:2-4). When God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a "burnt offering," Abraham's faith that God knew best was so strong he set off to obey (Genesis 22:1-10). When Abraham proved he placed his love of God above all else and prepared to knife his own son, God sent an angel to save the boy (Genesis 22:11-13). It was his deep trust in God that allowed Abraham to pass this test and earn God's promise (the Abrahamic Covenant) to make his descendants (the Israelites) a great and populous people (Genesis 17:2-7; 22:16-18; 26:4; 24) and to bless the Gentiles through him (Genesis 12:2-3; 15:1-21; 18:18; 22:18; 28:14; Exodus 32:13). Abraham's deeds frequently disappointed God but he never lost his righteousness because it is never deeds that earn
righteousness, it is faith (Genesis 15:6). Abraham died at the age of one hundred seventy-five (Genesis 25:7) and was buried alongside his wife Sarah in a cave at Machpelah (Genesis 23:9; 25:7-10). Centuries later a Christian church was built over the cave. Subsequently, the church was converted into an Islamic Mosque. By Tracing Jesus' roots back to Abraham, Matthew proves that the Messiah's lineage dates back to the beginning of the Jewish nation. You can read more about Abraham in Genesis 11:26-25:34.
Joseph -
The earthly father of Jesus Christ. Born in Bethlehem, Joseph moved to Nazareth in Galilee and became a carpenter. Joseph was engaged to Mary when he learned she was pregnant. Joseph decided to end their engagement (1:19) until he was visited by an angel and assured that Mary's child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (1:18). Joseph married Mary and helped raise the young Jesus. We last see Joseph in Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old (Luke 2:41-52). When
Joseph died is unknown. Despite the implication in Matthew 13:55 and John 6:42 that he lived long enough to see Jesus begin His ministry, most scholars believe he died during Jesus' teen years.
Mary -
The mother of Jesus (Luke 1:35), also called the Virgin Mary. Mary was the daughter of Heli from the Jewish tribe of Judah and a descendant of King David. Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, was her cousin. A woman of great faith and humility, Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would give birth to the Messiah. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Mary and her husband, Joseph fled to Egypt with the baby to escape the death sentence put on the infant Messiah by King Herod (Matthew 2:13-14). When Herod died, they returned to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23). Mary receives only a few brief mentions in the Bible after Jesus started His ministry, but she was at Calvary and witnessed the crucifixion (John 19:25-27). It was during the crucifixion that Jesus asked His disciple John to care for His mother (John 19:26-27). Mary is last seen in Acts 1:13-14 praying with the disciples. The time and details of her death are unknown, but many Bible scholars believe Mary lived out the rest of her life traveling with John.
