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
I assure you, you will not be discharged till you have paid to the very last farthing.
Then he released to them Barabbas: but he order'd Jesus to be scourged, and delivered up to be crucified.
Hastings
MATTHEW, GOSPEL ACCORDING TO.
1. The First Gospel in the Early Church.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
now by these events, that divine prediction of the Prophet had its full accomplishment, when he said, "Behold,
where he stay'd till the death of Herod: so that what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called my son," was then fulfill'd.
where he stay'd till the death of Herod: so that what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called my son," was then fulfill'd.
Then was fulfilled that passage of Jeremy the prophet,
and went to dwell in a town called Nazareth, so that those words of one of the prophets were fulfill'd, "He shall be called a Nazarene."
After this, Jesus having heard that John was confined in prison, retired into Galilee.
whereby those words of Esaias the prophet, had their full effect, "the land of Zabulon,
Don't think that I am come to abolish the law or the prophets: I am not come to abolish, but to complete them.
At length Jesus finished his discourse, and the people were fill'd with astonishment at his doctrine.
When Jesus was entred into Capernaum, a centurion came and addressed himself to him,
and I declare unto you, that many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit at table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the heavenly kingdom.
whereby was fulfilled what Esaias the prophet said, "Himself took our infirmities, and bare, our diseases."
As Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, son of David, have mercy on us.
At their going out, a demoniac was brought in, who was dumb.
When Jesus had made an end of giving his twelve disciples their instructions, he departed thence to go and preach to the Jews in their cities:
At that time as Jesus pass'd through the corn on the sabbath day, his disciples being hungry, pluck'd the ears of corn, and fell to eating.
so that what was said by Esaias the prophet, was fulfill'd;
Then they brought to him a demoniac, who was both blind and dumb: and he cured him so effectually, that he recovered both his speech and his sight;
but he answered them, this wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no other miracle shall they have, except that of the prophet Jonas.
so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world."
and he did not many miracles there, because of their incredulity.
Peter answered, Lord, said he, if it be you, bid me come upon the water to you.
Then he charged his disciples not to tell any man that he was the Christ. from that time began Jesus to let his disciples know that he should go to Jerusalem, there suffer many indignities from the senators, chief priests, and scribes, be put to death, and be raised again the third day.
After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, in private to the top of a high mountain. and was transfigured before them; his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. read more. and presently they saw Moses and Elias conversing with him. then Peter address'd himself to Jesus, Lord, said he, it is good for us to stay here: if you please, let us make three tabernacles here; one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias. while he was speaking, a bright cloud surrounded them: and suddenly a voice broke out of the cloud, saying, "this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." and when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were in a terrible fright. but Jesus came and touched them, and said, arise, be not afraid. and when they had lift up their eyes, they saw Jesus all alone.
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute for the temple came to Peter, and said, does not your master pay tribute?
When Jesus had finished these discourses, he departed from Galilee, and came into the confines of Judea, on the other side Jordan:
For the kingdom of the Messiah is like a family, the master whereof went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard.
When they drew nigh to Jerusalem, and were come to Bepthphage, to the mount of Olives, Jesus dispatched two disciples,
all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet,
Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country.
wherefore I declare to you, the gospel dispensation shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that shall make a proper use thereof.
As Jesus was going from the temple, his disciples came and desired him to take a view of the buildings.
And when he was upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him in private, and said, tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of this age?
The kingdom of the Messiah will then be such, as when ten virgins took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.
So it was when a man was going to travel into a foreign country, he called his servants, and delivered to them his stock:
Now when Jesus had finished these discourses, he said to his disciples,
then was fulfilled what Jeremy the prophet said, "and they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price at which he was valued, by the children of Israel,
Whilst he was sitting on the tribunal, his wife sent this message to him, pray, have nothing to do with that just man: for to-day I have suffered very much on his account in a dream.
Pilate perceiving he was so far from prevailing, that they were more tumultuous, he took water, and washed his hands before all the people, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: you are answerable for it.
they gave him a mixture of wine and gall: but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink.
go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost:
It was customary for the Pharisees, and the disciples of John, to fast; they came therefore and ask'd him, why do John's disciples, and the Pharisees fast so frequently, and not your disciples?
upon which the Pharisees said to him, pray observe how they trespass on the sabbath-day.
Some Scribes, who were come from Jerusalem, said, he is confederate with Beelzebub, the prince of the demons enables him to dispossess demons.
the Pharisees, and Scribes therefore ask'd Jesus, why don't your disciples observe the tradition of the antients? why do they take their meals without washing their hands?
As Jesus was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, see, master, what stone-work, and buildings are here. but Jesus answer'd him, you see this magnificent structure, which shall not be left till it be all demolished, one stone after another.
when shall this happen? and what will be the sign that this is going to be accomplished? Jesus answer'd by saying, take care not to let any one impose upon you; read more. for many shall come in my name, and say, I am the Messiah; and deceive many. but when ye shall hear the talk of wars, and the noise of wars, be not alarm'd; for that must happen; but the end is not yet. for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: there shall be earthquakes in divers places, famines and commotions. these are the beginning of sorrows. then look to your selves: for they will deliver you up to the tribunals, and scourge you in the synagogues: you will be brought before governours, and princes upon my account, to be my witnesses against them. but the gospel must first be published among all nations. now when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not sollicitous about your defence, don't premeditate upon it; but what shall be suggested to you at the very occasion, that deliver: for it is not you that will plead, but the holy spirit. then the brother shall betray his brother to death, and the father his son: children shall prosecute their parents, and be the instruments to take away their lives: you will be the object of universal hatred upon my account; but he that shall persevere unto the end, shall be saved. Now when you shall see the-abomination of desolation, mentioned by the prophet Daniel, establish'd where it ought not to be (let the reader observe) then let those, who are in Judea, flee to the mountains: he that is upon the battlements let him not descend into the house, nor enter therein to take any thing away: let not him that is in the field return back to fetch his garment. unhappy the women who are pregnant, and those who nurse children at such a time. pray that your flight be not in the winter. for the distress of that time will be such as never happen'd since the beginning of the world, which God created, to this present, nor ever shall be. so that if the Lord should suffer it to last, no man could escape: but he will not suffer the time to last long, out of regard to his elect. Then if any one shall say to you, Christ is here, or, he is there, don't believe it. for false Christs, and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and prodigies, so as to seduce, if it were possible, even the very elect. be you therefore upon your guard: remember I have forewarned you against all events. Now after the time of that distress, the sun shall be dark, and the moon shall give no light: the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds with power and great glory. then will he send his angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the remotest part of the earth, to the remotest part of heaven. Consider this similitude taken from a fig-tree: when its branch is yet tender, and pushes out its leaves, you know that summer is near: so when you shall see these things happen, know that he is nigh, even at your doors. I declare unto you, this generation shall not be extinct, till all these things be transacted. heaven and earth shall fail, but my words shall never fail. as to the day and hour, that no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor even the son; but the father only. be circumspect, be vigilant, and devout: because you are uncertain when that time will be. when a man travels into foreign parts, he leaves his goods in charge to his servants, he appoints to every one his task, and orders the porter to be vigilant, watch ye therefore (for you don't know when the master of the house will return; whether at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning) for fear by his sudden return he should surprize you sleeping. what I say to you, I say to all, be vigilant.
now being at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, while he was at table, there came a woman with a viol full of the perfume of spikenard, which was very costly; and she opened the viol, and poured it upon his head.
there they offered him myrrhed wine to drink, but he did not take it.
who perceiving their faith, said to him, O! man, your sins are forgiven you.
who perceiving their faith, said to him, O! man, your sins are forgiven you.
Then directing himself to his disciples, he said, blessed are ye, that are poor: for the divine kingdom is yours. blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be satisfied. blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall find matter of mirth. read more. blessed are you, when men shall hate you, discard you, reproach you, and treat you as infamous, for your attachment to the son of man. then you may triumph with joy; secure of being greatly rewarded in heaven: for such was the treatment the prophets received from their forefathers. But wo unto you that are rich: for you have received your consolation. wo unto you that are full: for you shall be in want. wo unto you that indulge in present pleasure: for mourning and sorrow shall attend you. wo unto you when the generality of men shall applaud you: for so did their forefathers behave to the false prophets. But as for you, who hear me, love your enemies: do good to those, who hate you: bless those, who curse you: and pray for those, who maliciously abuse you. if any one strike you on one cheek, present to him the other likewise: or if any one seize your cloak, surrender your coat also. give to all that ask: and if a man takes away your goods, don't demand them again. behave to others in the same manner, as you desire they would behave to you. for if you only love those, who love you, where's the obligation? the very heathen return love for love. if you return one kind office by another, where's the obligation? the heathen themselves do as much. if you lend with the expectation of gaining by it, where's the obligation? for the heathen lend to one another, for the prospect of an equivalent.
he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven. give us every day our portion of bread. read more. and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
and as the crowd grew more numerous, he thus began, this is a degenerate race of men: they demand a miracle: but no miracle shall be exhibited, but such as happen'd in the person of Jonas the prophet.
Wherefore (said he to his disciples,) be not sollicitous for your life, what ye shall eat; nor for the body, what ye shall put on.
When you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, pay the interest, and get your discharge, while you are on the way; for fear he should bring you before the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into jail.
thereupon they said to him, master, when shall this happen? and by what sign shall we know that the event is coming?
The Logos became incarnate, and had his tabernacle among us, being full of grace and truth; and we contemplated his glory, such glory as the Monogenes derived from the father.
he that relates this, was an eye-witness of it, and his relation is true: and he is so assured, what he says is true, that you may rely upon it.
I tell you for certain, tho' when you was a youth you girded your self, and rambled where you had a mind: yet when you are old, your hands shall be stretch'd out, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee where you will be unwilling to go.
much every way: chiefly, because they were intrusted with the oracles of God.
after that he was seen by James; then by all the apostles.