Matthew 1:1-25
Lesson 1
Read the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation" below.
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 agree 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 (Luke 5:27), was born a Jew in Galilee. The name Matthew means "gift of God." He was the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14) and was working as a publican (tax collector) for the Romans in Capernaum (Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:27) when he met Jesus. His fellow Jews despised him for working with the Roman occupiers. Matthew left his lucrative job to follow Jesus and celebrated with "a great banquet at his house" (Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29). He then became the Messiah's traveling companion and record keeper, a job he was well suited for as a former tax collector. Matthew's Gospel is an eyewitness account of what he heard and saw during his years with Jesus. Because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit, "The Gospel According to St. Matthew" is wholly 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 about 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 unclear whether Matthew died of natural causes or was killed for his Christian faith.
Purpose and Theme:
Israel was occupied by the Roman army when Jesus was born. The Jewish people yearned for a Savior to free them
from their oppressors and restore their nation. The Old Testament promised that a Messiah would someday come and be their salvation. Jews believed that Savior would be a great military/political leader who would drive the Romans out of Israel and revive their country. Little did they know that the promised Messiah would be a different kind 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 designed to show Jews that Jesus was the long-awaited Savior who came to free mankind from sin. To read these Old Testament references and prophecies, click on the links in each lesson.
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 has 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 his Jewish readers that Jesus is a descendant of King David and Abraham (as prophesied in the Old Testament) and thus the Messiah they had been waiting for.
Matthew lists five women in Jesus' genealogy; Tamar, Rahab (the harlot), and Bathsheba (Uriah's wife) are three of the more prominent. 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 agree 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 (Luke 5:27), was born a Jew in Galilee. The name Matthew means "gift of God." He was the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14) and was working as a publican (tax collector) for the Romans in Capernaum (Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:27) when he met Jesus. His fellow Jews despised him for working with the Roman occupiers. Matthew left his lucrative job to follow Jesus and celebrated with "a great banquet at his house" (Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29). He then became the Messiah's traveling companion and record keeper, a job he was well suited for as a former tax collector. Matthew's Gospel is an eyewitness account of what he heard and saw during his years with Jesus. Because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit, "The Gospel According to St. Matthew" is wholly 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 about 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 unclear whether Matthew died of natural causes or was killed for his Christian faith.
Purpose and Theme:
Israel was occupied by the Roman army when Jesus was born. The Jewish people yearned for a Savior to free them
from their oppressors and restore their nation. The Old Testament promised that a Messiah would someday come and be their salvation. Jews believed that Savior would be a great military/political leader who would drive the Romans out of Israel and revive their country. Little did they know that the promised Messiah would be a different kind 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 designed to show Jews that Jesus was the long-awaited Savior who came to free mankind from sin. To read these Old Testament references and prophecies, click on the links in each lesson.
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 has 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 his Jewish readers that Jesus is a descendant of King David and Abraham (as prophesied in the Old Testament) and thus the Messiah they had been waiting for.
Matthew lists five women in Jesus' genealogy; Tamar, Rahab (the harlot), and Bathsheba (Uriah's wife) are three of the more prominent. 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.
We break Matthew 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, 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, 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, an ancestor of Jesus (Acts 2:29-30). He is mentioned 1,118 times in the Bible. The son of Jesse, David was born in Bethlehem and spent his early years as a poet and shepherd until he was invited to play the
harp for an ailing King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Meeting King Saul and eventually becoming his armor-bearer changed David's life forever. At about the age of twenty, David killed Goliath of Gath in battle (1 Samuel 17:1-58), became a leader in Israel's army, and 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. David was pursued by Saul and lived as a fugitive for years. After Saul and his son Ishbosheth (heir to the throne) passed away, David returned to become King of Judah and eventually all of Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5). David possessed keen leadership skills (1 Samuel 22:2) and ushered in a golden era for Israel. He led Israel to victory over the Philistines (2 Samuel 8:1), Moabites (2 Samuel 8:2), Syrians (2 Samuel 8:5-6), Edomites (2 Samuel 8:14), Ammonites, Amalekites, and others. His 40-year reign was known for fairness as he established a sound civil government.
God called David "a man after his own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), and although David sinned many times, he always repented and was forgiven by God. David died at seventy (2 Samuel 5:4), and his son Solomon became Israel's third king. God promised that "all nations" would be blessed through David's family. That blessing was one of King David's descendants, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:29-30). It was important for Matthew to give Jesus' genealogy to show that He was descended from King David (1:1) and therefore fulfilled 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 -
Abraham is the founder of Judaism, the father of all Jews (Romans 4:11-16; Galatians 3:7), spiritual forefather of Christians (Galatians 3:29), a man of faith (Galatians 3:9; Hebrews 11:8-9), 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. Abraham, a man of tremendous faith left his home and family for another country simply because God asked him to (Genesis 12:1; Acts 7:2-4). Later, God asked Abraham to go to "the land of Moriah" and sacrifice his son Isaac to test his faith. (Genesis 22:1-10). Despite misgivings, Abraham believed God knew best (Genesis 15:6) and could resurrect Isaac (Hebrews 11:19), so he set off for Mount Moriah*, a hill near Jerusalem, to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22:1-10; Hebrews 11:17). When Abraham proved his faith by preparing to knife his Isaac, God sent an angel to save the boy (Genesis 22:11-13). Because of his unwavering faith, God promised to make Abraham's 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). This is called the Abrahamic Covenant (agreement).
Abraham's deeds sometimes 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) on the western slope of Mount Hebron. Centuries later, a Christian church was built over the cave. Later, the church was converted into an Islamic Mosque. By Tracing Jesus' roots back to Abraham, Matthew proves that the Messiah's lineage goes back to the beginning of the Jewish nation. You can read more about Abraham in Genesis 11:26-25:34.
* Some Bible scholars believe Mount Moriah is where Jesus was crucified centuries later. However, most Jews believe the Temple's sacrificial altar in Jerusalem was built over the site where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son.
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 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 received only a few brief mentions in the Bible once Jesus started His ministry, but she was at Calvary and witnessed the crucifixion (John 19:25-27). While hanging on the cross, 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, an ancestor of Jesus (Acts 2:29-30). He is mentioned 1,118 times in the Bible. The son of Jesse, David was born in Bethlehem and spent his early years as a poet and shepherd until he was invited to play the
harp for an ailing King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Meeting King Saul and eventually becoming his armor-bearer changed David's life forever. At about the age of twenty, David killed Goliath of Gath in battle (1 Samuel 17:1-58), became a leader in Israel's army, and 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. David was pursued by Saul and lived as a fugitive for years. After Saul and his son Ishbosheth (heir to the throne) passed away, David returned to become King of Judah and eventually all of Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5). David possessed keen leadership skills (1 Samuel 22:2) and ushered in a golden era for Israel. He led Israel to victory over the Philistines (2 Samuel 8:1), Moabites (2 Samuel 8:2), Syrians (2 Samuel 8:5-6), Edomites (2 Samuel 8:14), Ammonites, Amalekites, and others. His 40-year reign was known for fairness as he established a sound civil government.
God called David "a man after his own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), and although David sinned many times, he always repented and was forgiven by God. David died at seventy (2 Samuel 5:4), and his son Solomon became Israel's third king. God promised that "all nations" would be blessed through David's family. That blessing was one of King David's descendants, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:29-30). It was important for Matthew to give Jesus' genealogy to show that He was descended from King David (1:1) and therefore fulfilled 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 -
Abraham is the founder of Judaism, the father of all Jews (Romans 4:11-16; Galatians 3:7), spiritual forefather of Christians (Galatians 3:29), a man of faith (Galatians 3:9; Hebrews 11:8-9), 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. Abraham, a man of tremendous faith left his home and family for another country simply because God asked him to (Genesis 12:1; Acts 7:2-4). Later, God asked Abraham to go to "the land of Moriah" and sacrifice his son Isaac to test his faith. (Genesis 22:1-10). Despite misgivings, Abraham believed God knew best (Genesis 15:6) and could resurrect Isaac (Hebrews 11:19), so he set off for Mount Moriah*, a hill near Jerusalem, to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22:1-10; Hebrews 11:17). When Abraham proved his faith by preparing to knife his Isaac, God sent an angel to save the boy (Genesis 22:11-13). Because of his unwavering faith, God promised to make Abraham's 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). This is called the Abrahamic Covenant (agreement).
Abraham's deeds sometimes 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) on the western slope of Mount Hebron. Centuries later, a Christian church was built over the cave. Later, the church was converted into an Islamic Mosque. By Tracing Jesus' roots back to Abraham, Matthew proves that the Messiah's lineage goes back to the beginning of the Jewish nation. You can read more about Abraham in Genesis 11:26-25:34.
* Some Bible scholars believe Mount Moriah is where Jesus was crucified centuries later. However, most Jews believe the Temple's sacrificial altar in Jerusalem was built over the site where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son.
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 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 received only a few brief mentions in the Bible once Jesus started His ministry, but she was at Calvary and witnessed the crucifixion (John 19:25-27). While hanging on the cross, 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.
