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 came to pass, that it might be fulfilled, which the Lord spake by the prophet, saying,
and stayed there till the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spake by the prophet, saying, " Out of Egypt have I called my Son."
and stayed there till the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spake by the prophet, saying, " Out of Egypt have I called my Son."
And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, "The land of Zabulon,
Think not that I am come to abrogate the law, or the prophets: I am not come to abolish, but to compleat them:
And when Jesus had ended these discourses, the people were amazed at his doctrine:
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion beseeching Him, and saying, Lord,
but I tell 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;
which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, He took our infirmities himself, and bore our diseases.
And as Jesus was going from thence, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, Have compassion on us, O Son of David.
And as they were going out, there was brought to Him a dumb man, a demoniac:
And when Jesus had made an end of giving orders to his twelve disciples, He departed from thence to teach and preach in their cities.
About this time as Jesus passed through the cornfields on the sabbath-day, his disciples being hungry began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat them.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant whom I have chosen,
Then was brought to Him a demoniac, who was blind and dumb; and he healed Him, so that the blind and dumb man both spake and saw:
but He replied and said unto them, This wicked and degenerate race demand a sign; but no sign shall be given them, except that of the prophet Jonah:
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables, I will publish things which have been concealed from the foundation of the world.
And he did not many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
Then Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, command me to come unto thee upon the waters.
Then charged He his disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Messiah. And from that time began Jesus to acquaint 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 be raised again on the third day.
And after six days, Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up to a high mountain apart; and was transfigured before them: and his face shone like the sun, and his raiment became white as the light. read more. And they saw Moses and Elias talking with Him. Then Peter said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou pleasest, let us make three tabernacles here, one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was speaking, lo a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice 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 sore afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, Rise up and be not afraid. And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw none but Jesus only.
And when they were come to Capernaum, the receivers of the tribute-money came to Peter and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? Yes, saith he.
And when Jesus had finished these discourses, He departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea, beyond Jordan:
For the gospel-kingdom is like the master of a family, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard:
And when they drew nigh to Jerusalem and were come to Bethphage at the mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples,
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion,
Hear another parable, There was a certain man, a master of a family, that planted a vineyard, and made a fence about it, and put a wine-press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and travelled abroad.
Therefore I tell you, that the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation, that will bring forth the fruits thereof.
And as Jesus went out, and was departing from the temple, his disciples came to observe to Him the magnificent buildings.
And when He was got to the mount of olives, the disciples came to Him in private and said, Tell us when these things shall be, and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world.
Then will the kingdom of heaven be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom: and five of them were wise,
For as a man, who was going to travel abroad, called his servants, and delivered to them his stock: and to one he gave five talents,
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was estimated, on whom the children of Israel set the price,
(And while he was sitting on the tribunal, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that righteous man: for I have suffered much in a dream to day on his account.)
Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just man, look ye to it:
the place of a skull, they gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: but when He had tasted it, He would not drink.
Go ye therefore and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
And as the disciples of John, and of the pharisees used to fast, they came to Him, saying, Why do the disciples of John and of the pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
And the pharisees said to Him, See, why do they what is not lawful to be done on the sabbath-day?
And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He is in league with Beelzebub, and casts out demons by the help of the prince of demons.
Then the pharisees and the scribes ask Him, Why do not thy disciples walk according to the tradition of the ancients, but eat without washing their hands?
And as He was going out of the temple, one of his disciples saith to Him, Master, behold what fine stones are here, and what stately buildings! And Jesus answering said unto him, Thou seest these grand buildings: but there shall not be left one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down.
saying, Tell us when these things shall be, and what shall be the sign when all these things are to be accomplished. But Jesus answered them and said, Beware least any one deceive you: read more. for many shall come in my name saying, I am the Christ, and shall deceive many. And when ye hear of wars, and rumors of wars, be not troubled; for such things must happen; but the end will not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and famines and troubles: these will be the beginnings of sorrows. But look to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to councils, and synagogues: and ye shall be scourged, and set before governors and kings on my account, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published to all nations. But when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not anxiously careful beforehand what ye shall speak, neither premeditate: but whatever shall be suggested to you at that very time, this speak: for it is not you that speak, but the holy Spirit. One brother shall betray another to death, and the father the son: and children shall appear against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated by all men for my sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved. Now when ye shall see the desolating abomination, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, set up where it ought not to be, (let him that readeth, attend) then let those in Judea flee to the mountains: and let not him that is at the top of the house come down into the house, nor go in to fetch any thing out of his house: nor let him that is in the field return back for his clothes. But wo to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days. But pray that your flight may not be in the winter; for in those days shall be such affliction as never was from the beginning of the world, unto this day, nor ever shall be. And if the Lord did not shorten those days, none could escape: but for the sake of the elect, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened those days. And then if any shall say to you, Behold, here is the Christ, or, Behold, He is there, believe it not: for there shall rise up false Christs, and false prophets, who shall work signs and wonders, to seduce, if possible, even the elect. But do ye beware: behold, I have told you all before. But in those days, after that affliction, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give it's light; and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers in the heavens shall be shaken; and then shall they see the Son of man coming in clouds, with great power and glory. And He will then send forth his messengers, and will gather his elect together from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven. Now learn a parable from the fig-tree: when it's branch is tender and bringeth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; so ye also, when ye see these things come to pass, know that He is near, even at the doors. Verily I tell you, that this generation shall not pass away until all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words cannot pass away. But of THAT day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Take heed therefore, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is: as a man travelling abroad, who left his house, and gave charge to his servants, to each his work, and bid the porter be watchful. Watch ye therefore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh: (in the evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning:) least coming on a sudden he should 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 at table, there came a woman with an alabaster-box of ointment of spikenard, very valuable; and she brake the box and poured it on his head.
And they offered Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He would not take it.
who seeing their faith said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
who seeing their faith said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
And lifting up his eyes on his disciples He said, Blessed are ye though poor; for the kingdom of God is yours. 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 shall hate you, and reject you, and reproach you, and cast out your name as infamous on account of the Son of man. Rejoice in that day, and be exceeding glad; for behold, your reward is great in heaven: for thus did their fathers to the prophets. But wo unto you that are rich; for ye have received your consolation. Wo unto you that are full; for ye shall be hungry. Wo unto you that laugh now: for ye shall mourn and weep. Wo unto you when all men speak well of you; for their fathers did the same to the false prophets. But I say unto you my hearers, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them that abuse you; to him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other; and let him that taketh away thy cloke, have thy coat too rather than strive with him: give to him that asketh thee, and from him that taketh thy goods on loan demand nothing. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them in like manner. If ye love only them that love you, what thanks are due to you? for even the wicked love those that love them: and if ye do good offices to them that do good to you, what thanks are due to you? for even wicked men do the same. And if ye lend to those from whom ye expect to receive, what thanks are due to you? for sinners also lend to sinners that they may receive an equivalent.
And He said unto them, when ye pray, say, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done as in heaven so also upon earth; give us day by day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, read more. for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
And when the multitudes were gathering thick together He began to say, This is a wicked generation: they demand a sign, but no sign shall be given them, except that of the prophet Jonah:
And He said to his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor for the body, what ye shall put on:
When thou art going with thine adversary to the magistrate, endeavour while thou art in the way to be discharged, least he force thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer carry thee to prison.
And they asked Him, saying, Master, when shall these things be? And what will be the sign when these things shall come to pass?
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, being full of grace and truth: and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father.
And he that saw it testifieth it, and his testimony is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye may believe.
Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast younger, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst about where thou wouldest: but when thou art old, thou shalt stretch out thine hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee where thou wouldest not.
Much, every way: chiefly, because they were intrusted with the oracles of God.