Reference: Matthew, Gospel According To
Easton
The author of this book was beyond a doubt the Matthew, an apostle of our Lord, whose name it bears. He wrote the Gospel of Christ according to his own plans and aims, and from his own point of view, as did also the other "evangelists."
As to the time of its composition, there is little in the Gospel itself to indicate. It was evidently written before the destruction of Jerusalem (MT 24), and some time after the events it records. The probability is that it was written between the years A.D. 60 and 65.
The cast of thought and the forms of expression employed by the writer show that this Gospel was written for Jewish Christians of Palestine. His great object is to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, and that in him the ancient prophecies had their fulfilment. The Gospel is full of allusions to those passages of the Old Testament in which Christ is predicted and foreshadowed. The one aim prevading the whole book is to show that Jesus is he "of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write." This Gospel contains no fewer than sixty-five references to the Old Testament, forty-three of these being direct verbal citations, thus greatly outnumbering those found in the other Gospels. The main feature of this Gospel may be expressed in the motto, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
As to the language in which this Gospel was written there is much controversy. Many hold, in accordance with old tradition, that it was originally written in Hebrew (i.e., the Aramaic or Syro-Chaldee dialect, then the vernacular of the inhabitants of Palestine), and afterwards translated into Greek, either by Matthew himself or by some person unknown. This theory, though earnestly maintained by able critics, we cannot see any ground for adopting. From the first this Gospel in Greek was received as of authority in the Church. There is nothing in it to show that it is a translation. Though Matthew wrote mainly for the Jews, yet they were everywhere familiar with the Greek language. The same reasons which would have suggested the necessity of a translation into Greek would have led the evangelist to write in Greek at first. It is confessed that this Gospel has never been found in any other form than that in which we now possess it.
The leading characteristic of this Gospel is that it sets forth the kingly glory of Christ, and shows him to be the true heir to David's throne. It is the Gospel of the kingdom. Matthew uses the expression "kingdom of heaven" (thirty-two times), while Luke uses the expression "kingdom of God" (thirty-three times). Some Latinized forms occur in this Gospel, as kodrantes (Mt 5:26), for the Latin quadrans, and phragello (Mt 27:26), for the Latin flagello. It must be remembered that Matthew was a tax-gatherer for the Roman government, and hence in contact with those using the Latin language.
As to the relation of the Gospels to each other, we must maintain that each writer of the synoptics (the first three) wrote independently of the other two, Matthew being probably first in point of time.
Out of a total of 1071 verses, Matthew has 387 in common with Mark and Luke, 130 with Mark, 184 with Luke; only 387 being peculiar to itself. (See Mark; Luke; Gospels.)
The book is fitly divided into these four parts: (1.) Containing the genealogy, the birth, and the infancy of Jesus (1; 2).
(2.) The discourses and actions of John the Baptist preparatory to Christ's public ministry (3; 4:11).
(3.) The discourses and actions of Christ in Galilee (4:12-20:16).
(4.) The sufferings, death and resurrection of our Lord (20:17-28).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Hastings
MATTHEW, GOSPEL ACCORDING TO.
1. The First Gospel in the Early Church.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Now all this took place, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "I called my son out of Egypt."
and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "I called my son out of Egypt."
and came and took up his abode in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, "He will be called a Nazarene,"
Now when Jesus heard that John had been cast into prison, he withdrew into Galilee.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Think not that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfill.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the multitudes were astonished at his teaching.
And when he had entered into Capernaum, there came to him a centurion, beseeching him,
And I say to you, that many will come from the east and the west, and recline at table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, "He himself took our infirmities, and bore our diseases."
And as Jesus passed on from thence, two blind men followed him, crying out and saying, Have pity on us, Son of David!
And as they were going out, lo! they brought to him a dumb man, possessed by a demon.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of his charge to his twelve disciples, that he departed thence, to teach and to preach in their cities.
At that time Jesus went on the sabbath through the grainfields; and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of grain, and to eat.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Then was brought to him one possessed by a demon, blind and dumb; and he healed him, so that the dumb man spoke and saw.
But he answered and said to them, A wicked and adulterous generation is seeking for a sign; and no sign will be given to it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet Isaiah, saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation [of the world]."
And he did not work many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
And Peter answering him said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee on the water.
Then he charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show to his disciples, that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be put to death, and rise again on the third day.
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and leadeth them up into a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone as the sun; and his garments became white as the light. read more. And lo! there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter answering said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here; if thou wilt, I will make here three tents; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he was yet speaking, lo! a bright cloud overshadowed them; and lo! a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; hear him." And the disciples hearing it, fell on their face, and were exceedingly afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
And when they had come to Capernaum, those who received the halfshekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay the halfshekel?
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had ended these sayings, he removed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judaea, beyond the Jordan.
For the kingdom of heaven is like a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
And when they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
Now this took place, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Hear another parable. There was a householder, who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and dug in it a winepress, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went abroad.
Therefore I say to you, that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and given to a nation yielding the fruits thereof.
And Jesus went out, and was going from the temple; and his disciples came to him, to show him the buildings of the temple.
And as he was sitting upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be? and what will be the signs of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.
For it will be as when a man going abroad called his own servants, and intrusted to them his property;
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that he said to his disciples,
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was priced, whom they of the sons of Israel priced,
And while he was sitting on the judgmentseat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered much this day in a dream because of him.
And when Pilate saw that it availed nothing, but that rather a tumult was arising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of this blood; see ye to it.
they gave him wine to drink mingled with gall; and when he had tasted it, he refused to drink.
Go, and make all nations my disciples, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;
And the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting; and they come and say to him, Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, and thy disciples fast not?
And the Pharisees said to him, See, why are they doing on the sabbath that which is not lawful?
And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebul; and, He casteth out the demons through the prince of the demons.
then the Pharisees and scribes ask him, Why do not thy disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with defiled hands?
And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith to him, Teacher, see! what stones, and what buildings! And Jesus said to him, Seest thou these great buildings? There will not be left one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down.
Tell us, when will these things be? and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished? And Jesus began to say to them, See that no one deceive you. read more. Many will come in my name, saying, I am He; and will deceive many. And when ye hear of wars, and rumors of wars, be not troubled; they must come to pass; but not yet is the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in divers places; there will be famines. These things are the beginning of travailpains. But do ye take heed to yourselves; they will deliver you up to councils, and ye will be taken into synagogues and beaten; and ye will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them. And the glad tidings must first be published to all the nations. And when they lead you away to deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand as to what ye shall speak; but whatever shall be given you in that hour, that speak; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children will rise up against parents, and put them to death. And ye will be hated by all on account of my name. But he that endureth to the end will be saved. But when ye see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not,let him that readeth understand,then let those who are in Judaea flee to the mountains; let not him that is on the housetop go down, nor enter, to take anything out of his house; and let not him that is in the field turn back to take his garment. And woe to the women with child, and to those with children at the breast, in those days! And pray that it may not be in winter. For those days will be a time of distress, such as hath not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, nor shall be. And if the Lord had not shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if any one shall say to you, See! here is the Christ; see! there; believe him not. For false Christs and false prophets will rise up, and will do signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the chosen. But do ye take heed! I have told you all beforehand. But in those days, after that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light; and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. And then will they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then will he send forth the angels, and will gather the chosen ones from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. And from the figtree learn its parable. When its branch hath now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that summer is near. So also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that he is near, at the doors. Truly do I say to you, that this generation will not pass away, till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But that day or hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. Take heed, watch; for ye know not when the time is. As a man going abroad, having left his house and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, also commanded the porter to watch, so also watch ye; for ye know not when the master of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
And when he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, there came a woman having an alabaster bottle of ointment of pure spikenard, very precious; and breaking the bottle, she poured it on his head.
And they gave him wine mingled with myrrh; but he did not take it.
And seeing their faith, he said, Man, thy sins have been forgiven thee.
And seeing their faith, he said, Man, thy sins have been forgiven thee.
And raising his eyes toward his disciples, he said, Blessed are ye poor; for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now; for ye will be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now; for ye will laugh. read more. Blessed are ye when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy; for lo! your reward is great in heaven; for thus their fathers did to the prophets. But woe to you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe to you that are full now! for ye will hunger. Woe to you that laugh now! for ye will mourn and weep. Woe, when all men speak well of you! for so did their fathers of the false prophets. But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who are spiteful to you. To him that smiteth thee on one cheek, offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every one that asketh of thee; and from him that taketh away thy goods, demand them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also in like manner to them. And if ye love those who love you, what thanks do ye deserve? for sinners also love those who love them. For if ye do good to those who do good to you, what thanks do ye deserve? even sinners do the same. And if ye lend to those from whom ye expect to receive, what thanks do ye deserve? even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much in return.
And he said to them, When ye pray, say, Father, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; give us day by day our daily bread; read more. and forgive us our sins, for even we ourselves forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation.
And when the crowds were thronging about him, he began to say, This generation is a wicked generation; it seeketh a sign; and no sign will be given it, but the sign of Jonah.
And he said to his disciples, Therefore I say to you, Be not anxious for the life, what ye shall eat; nor for the body, what ye shall put on.
When thou art going with thine adversary at law to the magistrate, take pains, while on the way, to be released by him; lest he drag thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
And they asked him, saying, Teacher, when then will these things be? and what will be the sign when these things are about to come to pass?
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; and we beheld his glory, a glory as of an only begotten of a father.
And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knoweth that he saith what is true, that ye also may believe.
Truly, truly do I say to thee, when thou wast young, thou didst gird thyself, and walk whither thou wouldst; but when thou hast grown old, thou wilt stretch forth thy hands, and another will gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not.
Great, every way. In the first place, because they were entrusted with the oracles of God.