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 the whole of this was done, that what was spoken of the Lord, by the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying,
and was there till the death of Herod; that what was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
and was there till the death of Herod; that what was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that what was said by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he shall be called a Nazarean.
that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled, saying,
Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.
And it was so, that when Jesus had concluded all these sayings, the multitudes were exceedingly struck with his teaching:
Then as Jesus was entering into Capernaum, there met him a centurion, intreating him,
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
that it might be fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet, "Himself he took our infirmities, and bore our diseases."
And as Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, son of David!
And when they were coming out, behold, they brought unto him a man, dumb, a demoniac.
AND it came to pass, when Jesus had finished his injunctions to his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities.
AT that time Jesus walked through corn-fields on a sabbath-day; and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
That what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying,
Then was brought to him a demoniac, blind and dumb; and he cured him, so as to enable the blind and dumb both to speak and see.
But he answered and said unto them, A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; and no sign shall be given it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet:
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables, I will bring forth things hid from the foundation of the world.
And he did not there many miracles because of their unbelief.
Then Peter answering, said, Lord, if it be thou, command me to come unto thee upon the waters.
Then he commanded his disciples, that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Messiah. From that time Jesus began to shew his disciples, that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, and of the chief-priests, and of the scribes, and be put to death, and the third day rise again.
THEN six days after, Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them into an exceeding high mountain apart. And he was transformed before them; and his face shone as the sun, and his garments were white as the light. read more. And behold, there appeared to them, Moses and Elias talking with him. Then Peter addressing him, said to Jesus, Lord, It is well that we are here; if it please thee, we will make here three tents; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And while he was yet speaking, behold, a luminous cloud overshadowed them; and lo! a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom is my delight; hear him! And the disciples hearing it, fell on their face, and were exceedingly affrighted. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, be not affrighted. Then lifting up their eyes, they saw no person, but Jesus only.
And when they came to Capernaum, they who receive the tax of two drachmas came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
AND it came to pass when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan.
FOR the kingdom of heaven is like a man, the master of a family, who went out at break of day, to hire labourers into his vineyard.
AND when they drew nigh to Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage to the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
Now this was entirely done, that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled, saying,
Hear another parable: There was a certain man, the master of a family, who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and digged in it a wine-press, and built a tower, and hired it out to husbandmen, and went into a distant country.
Therefore I tell you, That the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation, producing the fruits thereof.
AND Jesus departing was going his way from the temple: and his disciples came to him, to point out to his observation the buildings of the temple.
Then as he was sitting upon the mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall there things be? and what is the sign of thy coming, and of the consummation of the age?
THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom.
For the case is like that of a man, who travelling abroad, called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.
AND it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples,
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty silver pieces, the price of him who had been estimated at that rate, whom they of the children of Israel did value:
Then, as he was sitting on the tribunal, his wife sent a message to him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous person; for I have suffered much to-day in a dream on his account.
When Pilate saw that it was of no use to contend, but that rather a tumult was rising, he took water, and washed his hands before the people, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man: ye must answer for it.
they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and having tasted it, he refused to drink.
Go therefore, make disciples among all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees kept fasts; and they came and said to him, Wherefore do the disciples of John, and of the Pharisees, fast? but thy disciples keep no fast.
And the Pharisees said to him, See, why are they doing on the sabbath, what is not lawful?
And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem, said, He hath Beelzebub, and by this prince of the devils doth he cast out devils.
Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, Why do not thy disciples walk conformable to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?
AND as he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said unto him, Master, behold what vast stones, and what structures! And Jesus answering said to him, Beholdest thou these magnificent structures? there shall not be left one stone upon another which shall not be thrown down.
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what is the sign when all these things shall come to pass? Then Jesus answering them, began to say, Beware that no man deceive you: read more. for many will come in my name, saying, I am the Messiah; and shall deceive many. But when ye hear of wars, and rumours of wars, be not troubled: for these things must be; but the end is not yet. And nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and commotions: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to their sanhedrims, and to the synagogues; ye shall be beaten with rods, and be set before kings and governors for my name's sake, for a testimony unto them. And the Gospel must first be preached to all nations. But when delivering you up, they shall bring you to the bar, be not previously anxious what ye shall say, neither premeditate: for it shall be given to you at that very hour, what ye shall speak: for it is not you, who are speaking, but the Holy Ghost. And brother shall deliver up brother unto death, and the father the son: and children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. But when ye see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing where it ought not (let him that readeth observe), then let those who are in Judea fly to the mountains: and let not him who is on the roof go down into the house, nor enter into it, to carry away any thing out of the house: and he that is in the field, let him not return back to take his garment. But wo to those who are big with child, and who have infants at their breasts in those days! And pray that your flight be not in winter. For these days shall bring tribulation, such as the like hath never been from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, and never shall be more. And except the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been preserved: but for the sake of those elect, whom he hath elected, he hath shortened the days. And then, if any man say to you, Lo, here is the Messiah! or, lo there! believe it not. For many false Messiahs and false prophets shall arise, and shall propose signs and wonders to deceive, if it were possible, even the elect. But be ye on your guard: lo! I have told you all things: but in those days, after that distressing season, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not emit her light; and the stars of the heaven will be falling, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with vast power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather to him his elect from the four winds, from the extremity of the earth to the utmost bound of heaven. Now learn from the fig-tree, a parable; When her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; so also you, when ye see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, That this generation shall not pass away, until all these things are fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall never pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, nor the angels which are in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch, and pray; for ye know not when the time is. As a man going abroad, when he left his abode, and gave his servants authority, and to each his work, commanded also the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore; for ye know not at what time the master of the house cometh, at evening, or midnight, or cock-crowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you asleep. Now 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 sat at table, a woman came, having an alabaster vase of ointment, of genuine spikenard, of vast value: and breaking the vase, she let it flow down upon his head.
And they gave him to drink wine medicated with myrrh: but he received it not.
And seeing their faith, he saith to him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
And seeing their faith, he saith to him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye who hunger now, for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now, for ye shall laugh. read more. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from them, and shall revile you, and shall cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy; for, lo! your reward is great in heaven: for after the same manner did your fathers to the prophets. But wo unto you who are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Wo unto you who are full! for ye shall hunger. Wo unto you who laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Wo unto you, when men shall speak well of you! for just 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, and pray for those who wantonly insult you. To him that smiteth thee on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who would take from thee thy cloak, withhold not thy coat also. And give to every one that asketh thee; and from him who would take thy goods, demand them not again. And as ye would that men should do unto you, do ye also to them in like manner. And if ye love them that love you, what thanks are due to you? for even sinners love those who love them. And if ye do good to them who do good to you, what thanks have ye? do not even sinners the same thing? And if ye lend to those, from whom ye hope to receive back again, what thanks are due to you? for sinners lend to sinners, that they may receive an equivalent.
And he said unto them, When ye pray say, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done as in heaven so upon earth. Give us our necessary food, day by day: read more. and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one.
Then the multitudes thronging around him, he began to say, This is a wicked generation: it seeketh a sign, and no sign shall be given it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
Then said he to his disciples, For this reason I tell you, Be under no anxiety about your life, what ye shall eat, nor for your body, how ye shall be clothed.
For as thou art going with thy prosecutor to the magistrate, on the way endeavour to make up the matter with him; lest he drag thee before the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what is the sign, when these things are ready to come to pass?
And the Word became incarnate, and tabernacled with us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
And he that saw it bore witness, and we know that his testimony is true: and he himself is conscious that he speaketh what is true, that ye might believe.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast a younger man, thou didst gird up thyself, and go about whithersoever thy choice led thee: but when thou shalt grow old, another person extending thy hands, shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
Much in every view: the principal one indeed is, that the oracles of God were entrusted to them.