Meet Matthew: Introduction to the Man Behind the Book
The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament that tells the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book is named after its author, Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector before he became a follower of Jesus and his Gospel is unique in its emphasis on the Jewish audience. In this article, we will explore the life, times, and legacy of Matthew, the man behind the book of Matthew.
The Life and Times of Matthew: Early Years to Discipleship
Matthew was born in Capernaum, a small town in Galilee, in the first century AD. He was a Jewish tax collector who worked under Roman authority, which made him an object of great hatred and resentment by his fellow Jews. One day, Jesus came to Matthew’s tax booth and called him to be his disciple. Matthew immediately left everything and followed Jesus.
As a disciple of Jesus, Matthew witnessed many of the significant events in His life, such as the Sermon on the Mount, the feeding of the five thousand, and the crucifixion and resurrection. He also became an evangelist who spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to the Jewish people. According to tradition, Matthew wrote his Gospel in Hebrew, which was later translated into Greek.
Analyzing Matthew: Unique Characteristics of His Gospel
Matthew’s Gospel is unique in its emphasis on the Jewish audience. He quotes extensively from the Old Testament and shows how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Jewish Scriptures. Matthew also gives a detailed account of the birth of Jesus, including the visit of the wise men and the flight to Egypt. He includes many of Jesus’ parables and miracles, as well as His teachings on topics such as forgiveness, love, and the end times.
Matthew’s Gospel also contains the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This commission has motivated generations of Christians to spread the Gospel message throughout the world.
The Legacy of Matthew: Impact on Christianity Today
Matthew’s Gospel has had a profound impact on Christianity throughout the centuries. It has inspired countless believers to follow Jesus and to share the Gospel message with others. Matthew’s emphasis on the Jewish audience has helped Christians to understand the Jewish roots of their faith and to appreciate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Matthew’s Gospel has also inspired many great works of art and literature, including Handel’s Messiah, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and the writings of C.S. Lewis. Today, millions of people around the world continue to read and study Matthew’s Gospel as a source of inspiration and guidance in their daily lives.
The Time Period of Matthew: Understanding the Historical Context
Matthew’s Gospel was written in the first century AD, in a world dominated by the Roman Empire. The Jewish people were living under Roman occupation, and many of them longed for a Messiah who would deliver them from their oppressors. Against this backdrop, Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, who came to establish God’s kingdom on earth.
Matthew’s Gospel also reflects the cultural and religious context of first-century Judaism. Matthew quotes extensively from the Old Testament, showing how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Jewish Scriptures. He also emphasizes the importance of Jewish law and tradition, while at the same time pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of these laws and traditions.
In conclusion, Matthew’s Gospel is a testament to the life, teachings, and legacy of Jesus Christ. As the man behind the book of Matthew, Matthew himself was transformed by his encounter with Jesus and went on to become an evangelist who spread the Gospel message to the Jewish people. Today, Matthew’s Gospel continues to inspire and guide Christians around the world, reminding us of the transformative power of the Gospel message and the enduring legacy of Jesus Christ.