Matthew's Gospel Overview

Questions and Answers

Who is the author?

Tax collector and apostle of Jesus

What is the year it was written?

70-85 AD

Who is the audience?

Jewish Christians

How many chapters are there?

28 chapters Signup and view all the answers

What is the infancy narrative?

Account of Jesus' birth, including the visit of the Magi and Herod's actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbol traditionally used for Matthew?

Human figure (with wings) Signup and view all the answers

What is the genealogy in Matthew's Gospel?

Traces back to David and Abraham Signup and view all the answers

Who is the genealogy traced back to?

To Abraham through King David Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Son of Abraham' signify?

A title for Jesus asserting his identity as a descendant of Abraham. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Kingdom of heaven' refer to?

A term used by Matthew instead of 'Kingdom of God' Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Son of David' denote?

A title for Jesus asserting his identity as a King. Signup and view all the answers

What are parables?

Stories through which Jesus taught about the Kingdom of heaven. Signup and view all the answers

What is the image for Jesus in Matthew's Gospel?

Jesus as teacher, New Moses, Son of Abraham & David Signup and view all the answers

What does hypocrite mean?

One who wears a mask; outwardly religious without true inward conversion. Signup and view all the answers

What does beatitude represent?

Happiness; associated with the nine 'blessed are' statements of Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sermon on the Mount?

Jesus' first teaching discourse comprised of chapters 5-7. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Moses in relation to Jesus?

Israel's lawgiver and deliverer; seen as the 'new Moses'. Signup and view all the answers

Matthew compared Jesus to _______ to emphasize Jesus being the Messiah.

Moses Signup and view all the answers

What are The Five Discourses?

Five major speeches of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. Signup and view all the answers

Discourse 3 contains 7 _________.

Parables that reveal the nature of the kingdom of heaven Signup and view all the answers

What parables are found in Matthew's Gospel?

Parable of the mustard seed, parable of the yeast, and several others. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jesus to the church?

The head of the church, its guide and model Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ekklesia' mean?

Greek word for church; means 'those who are called out' Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthew 16:18-19 state?

Jesus instituted the Church and appointed Peter as its earthly leader. Signup and view all the answers

What is The Great Commission?

Jesus' final charge to his apostles to go into all the world and make disciples. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Audience

Matthew, a tax collector and apostle, is traditionally recognized as the author.
Written between 70-85 AD, the gospel primarily targets Jewish Christians.

Structure and Content

Consists of 28 chapters, making it the longest Gospel, written after Mark's account.
Features an Infancy Narrative, detailing Jesus' birth, the visit of the Magi, Herod's violent decree, and the Holy Family's escape to Egypt.

Symbolism and Themes

Symbolically represented by a human figure with wings.
Genealogy connects Jesus with Abraham and King David, emphasizing his messianic credentials.
The title "Son of Abraham" affirms Jesus as a descendant fulfilling God's covenant with Israel.
"Son of David” highlights his royal lineage and kingship.

Theological Concepts

The term "Kingdom of Heaven" is used in lieu of "Kingdom of God," respecting Jewish sensitivities.
Jesus is depicted as a teacher and a "new Moses," showcasing parallels with Moses' life and mission.

Teachings and Discourses

The Beatitudes introduce Jesus' moral teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, contrasting worldly happiness with spiritual blessedness.
The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) outlines the spiritual, cultural, and moral framework of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The gospel includes five major teaching discourses, mirroring the five books of the Torah.

Parables and Lessons

Jesus’ parables reveal truths about the Kingdom and utilize familiar images and ideas.
The third discourse features seven parables elucidating the Kingdom's nature, including the mustard seed and the pearl of great price.

The Church and Leadership

Jesus is portrayed as the head of the Church, serving as its guide and model.
"Ekklesia," the Greek term for "church," signifies those called out, used exclusively in Matthew (Chapters 16 and 18).
Matthew 16:18-19 records the establishment of the Church, appointing Peter as its earthly leader.

Great Commission

The Great Commission in Matthew 28 reflects Jesus' directive to his apostles, instructing them to make disciples across the nations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key aspects of Matthew's Gospel. This quiz covers the author, date, audience, number of chapters, and unique features such as the infancy narrative. Perfect for students of theology and Biblical studies.