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 say unto ye verily, Thou shalt not come out thence, till thou have paid the utmost farthing.
Then let he Barabbas loose unto them, and scourged Jesus, and delivered him to be crucified.
Hastings
MATTHEW, GOSPEL ACCORDING TO.
1. The First Gospel in the Early Church.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel,
They gave me gall to eat, and when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink.
When Israel was young, I loved him: and called my son out of the land of Egypt.
Rejoice thou greatly, O daughter Zion; be glad, O daughter Jerusalem. For lo, thy King cometh unto thee, even the righteous and Saviour: Lowly and simple is he, he rideth upon an ass, and upon the foal of an ass.
All this was done, to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying,
and was there unto the death of Herod: to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, which sayeth, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
and was there unto the death of Herod: to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, which sayeth, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by the Prophet Jeremiah, saying,
and went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: to fulfill that which was spoken by the Prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarite."
When Jesus had heard that John was taken, he departed into Galilee;
to fulfill that which was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet, saying,
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the Prophets: No, I am not come to destroy them but to fulfill them.
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
When Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a certain Centurion, and besought him,
I say therefore unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall rest with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven;
to fulfill that which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "He took on him our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."
And as Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him crying, and saying, "O thou son of David, have mercy on us."
As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed of a devil.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, that he departed thence, to teach and preach in their cities.
In that time went Jesus, on the Sabbath day, through the corn; and his disciples were a hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
to fulfill that which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, which sayeth,
Then was brought to him one possessed with a devil, which was both blind and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that he which was blind and dumb, both spake and saw.
He answered them saying, "The evil and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; but there shall no sign be given to them, but the sign of the prophet Jonah:
to fulfill that which was spoken by the prophet saying, "I will open my mouth in similitudes, and will speak forth things which have been kept secret from the beginning of the world."
And he did not many miracles there, for their unbelief's sake.
Peter answered him, and said, "Master, if thou be he, bid me come unto thee on the water."
Then he charged his disciples, that they should tell no man that he was Jesus Christ. From that time forth, Jesus began to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, and of the high priests, and of the scribes; and must be killed, and rise again the third day.
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his clothes were as white as the light. read more. And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said to Jesus, "Master here is good being for us. If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud shadowed them. And behold, there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is my dear son, in whom I delight; hear him." And when the disciples heard that, they fell on their faces, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, "Arise and be not afraid." Then lift they up their eyes, and when they looked up, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that were wont to gather poll money, came to Peter and said, "Doth your Master pay tribute?"
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished those sayings, he got him from Galilee, and came in to the coasts of Jewry beyond Jordan;
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a householder which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.
When they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethpage, unto mount Olivet, then sent Jesus two of his disciples,
All this was done, to fulfill that which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
"Hearken another similitude. There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and made a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a strange country:
Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to the Gentiles, which shall bring forth the fruits of it.
And Jesus answered and spake unto them again in similitudes, saying.
And Jesus went out and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him, for to show him the building of the temple.
And as he sat upon the mount Olivet, his disciples came unto him secretly, saying, "Tell us, when these things shall be: and what sign shall be of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went to meet the bridegroom:
"Likewise, as a certain man, ready to take his journey to a strange country, called his servants to him, and delivered to them his goods.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
Then was fulfilled, that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took thirty silver plates, the price of him that was valued, whom they bought of the children of Israel,
When he was set down to give judgment, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have thou nothing to do with that just man, I have suffered many things this day in a dream about him."
When Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but that more business was made, he took water and washed his hands before the people saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person: see ye thereto."
they gave him vinegar to drink, mingled with gall. And when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and the son and the holy ghost;
And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees did fast, and they therefore came and said unto him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, and thy disciples fast not?"
And the Pharisees said unto him, "Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful?"
And the scribes, which came from Jerusalem, said, "He hath Beelzebub, and by the power of the chief devil, casteth out devils."
Then asked him the Pharisees and scribes, "Why walk not thy disciples according to the traditions of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?"
And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said unto him, "Master, see what stones, and what buildings are here?" And Jesus answered, and said unto him, "Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
"When shall these things be? And what is the sign, when all these things shall be fulfilled?" And Jesus answered them, and began to say, "Take heed, lest any man deceive you. read more. For many shall come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ,' and shall deceive many. When ye shall hear of war, and tidings of war, be ye not troubled. For such things must needs be. But the end is not yet. For there shall nation arise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be earthquakes, in all quarters, and famishment, and troubles. These are the beginning of sorrows. But take ye heed to yourselves. For they shall bring you up to the councils, and into the synagogues, and ye shall be beaten, and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings, for my sake, for a testimonial unto them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they lead you, and present you, take no thought aforehand what ye shall say, neither imagine: but whatsoever is given you at the same time, that speak. For it shall not be ye that shall speak, but the holy ghost. Yea, and the brother shall deliver the brother to death. And the father the son, and the children shall rise against their fathers and mothers, and shall put them to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But whosoever shall endure unto the end, the same shall be safe. Moreover, when ye see the abomination that betokeneth desolation, whereof is spoken by Daniel the prophet, stand where it ought not" - let him that readeth understand it - "then let them that be in Jewry, flee to the mountains. And let him that is on the housetop, not descend down into the house, neither enter therein, to fetch anything out of his house. And let him that is in the field, not turn back again unto those things which he left behind him, for to take his clothes with him. But woe is then to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days. But pray, that your flight be not in the winter. For there shall be in those days such tribulation, as was not from the beginning of creatures, which God created, unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had should shorten those days, no man should be saved. But for the elects' sake, which he hath chosen, he hath shortened those days. And then, if any man say to you, 'Lo, here is Christ, lo, he is there,' believe not. For false Christs shall arise, and false prophets; And shall show miracles and wonders, to deceive if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: Behold, I have showed you all things before. Moreover, in those days after that tribulation, the sun shall wax dark, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall; And the powers which are in heaven, shall move. And then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, and from the one end of the world to the other. "Learn a similitude of the fig tree. When his branches are yet tender, and hath brought forth leaves, ye know that summer is near. So, in like manner, when ye see these things come to pass, understand that it is nigh: even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my words shall not pass. But of the day and the hour, knoweth no man: No, not the angels which are in heaven: neither the son himself, save the father only. Take heed: watch, and pray, for ye know not when the time is: As a man which is gone into a strange country and hath left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch, therefore, for ye know not when the master of the house will come: whether at even, or at midnight; whether at the cock crowing, or in the dawning: lest if he come suddenly, he should find you sleeping. And that I say unto you, I say unto all men: Watch."
When he was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, even as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment, called nard, that was pure and costly, and she brake the box and poured it on his head.
And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh, but he received it not.
When he saw their faith he said unto him, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee."
When he saw their faith he said unto him, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee."
And he lifted up his eyes upon the disciples, and said, "Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be satisfied. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. read more. Blessed are ye when men hate you, and thrust you out of their company, and rail on you, and abhor your name, as an evil thing, for the son of man's sake. Rejoice ye then, and be glad: for behold, your reward is great in heaven. After this manner their fathers entreated the prophets. But woe be to you that are rich: for ye have therein your consolation. Woe be to you that are full: for ye shall hunger. Woe be to you that now laugh: for ye shall wail, and weep. Woe be to you when all men praise you: for so did their fathers to the false prophets. "But I say unto you which hear: Love your enemies. Do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you. And pray for them which wrongfully trouble you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other. And him that taketh away thy gown, forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee. And of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you: so do ye to them likewise. If ye love them which love you: what thank are ye worthy of? For the very sinners love their lovers. And if ye do for them which do for you: what thank are ye worthy of? For the very sinners do even the same. If ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive: what thank shall ye have: for the very sinners, lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
And he said unto them, "When ye pray, say: O Our father which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Let thy kingdom come. Thy will, be fulfilled, even in earth as it is in heaven. Our daily bread give us this day evermore. read more. And forgive us our sins: For even we forgive every man that trespasseth us, and lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen."
When the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil nation. They seek a sign, and there shall no sign be given them, but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
And he spake unto his disciples, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat: Neither for your body, what ye shall put on.
While thou goest with thine adversary to the ruler: as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him, lest he bring thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the jailer, and the jailer cast thee into prison.
And they asked him, saying, "Master, when shall these things be? And what signs will there be, when such things shall come to pass?"
And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, which word was full of grace, and verity.
And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true. And he knoweth that he saith true that ye might believe also.
Verily, verily I say unto thee, when thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou art old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee whither thou wouldest not."
Surely, very much. First: unto them was committed the word of God.
After that appeared he to James, then to all the apostles.