Reference: Matthew, The Gospel According to
Fausets
(See GOSPELS for its aspect of Christ compared with the other evangelists.)
Time of writing. As our Lord's words divide Acts (Ac 1:8) into its three parts, "ye shall be witnesses unto Me in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth":
(1) the period in which the church was Jewish, Acts 1-11;
(2) the period when it was Gentile with strong Jewish admixture;
(3) the period when the Gentiles preponderated, Matthew's Gospel answers to the first or Jewish period, ending about A.D. 41, and was written probably in and for Jerusalem and Judea.
The expression (Mt 27:7-8; 28:15) "unto this day" implies some interval after Christ's crucifixion. Language. Ancient testimony is unanimous that Matthew wrote in Hebrew Papias, a disciple of John (the Presbyter) and companion of Polycarp (Eusebius, H. E. 3:3), says, "Matthew wrote his oracles (logia) in Hebrew, and each interpreted them in Greek as he could." Perhaps the Greek for "oracles," logia, expresses that the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew was a collection of discourses (as logoi means) rather than a full narrative. Matthew's Gospel is the one of the four which gives most fully the discourses of our Lord. Papias' use of the past tense (aorist) implies that "each interpreting" Matthew's Hebrew was in Papias' time a thing of the past, so that as early as the end of the first century or the beginning of the second the need for each to translate the Hebrew had ceased, for an authoritative Greek translation existed.
The Hellenists (Greek-speaking) Jews would from the first need a Greek version, and Matthew and the church would hardly leave this want unsupplied in his lifetime. Origen, Pantaenus, Eusebius (H. E. 6:25; 5:10; 5:8), and Irenaeus (adv. Haer. 3:1) state the same. Jerome (de Vir. Illustr. 3) adds, "who translated the Hebrew into Greek is uncertain." He identifies Matthew's Hebrew Gospel with "the Gospel of the Nazarenes," which he saw in Pamphilus' library at Caesarea. Epiphanius (Haer. 29, sec. 9) mentions this Nazarene Gospel as written in Hebrew. (Hebruikois grammasin) Probably this Nazarene was the original Hebrew Gospel of Matthew interpolated and modified, yet not so much so as the Ebionite Gospel. This view will account for the strange fact that nothing of the Hebrew Matthew has been preserved. Our Greek Gospel superseded the Hebrew, and was designed by the Holy Spirit (as its early acceptance, universal use, and sole preservation prove) to be the more universal canonical Gospel.
The Judaizing Nazarenes still clung to the Hebrew one; but their heresies and their corruptions of the text brought it into disrepute with the orthodox. Origen (on Prayer, 161:150) argues that epiousion, the Greek word for "daily" in the Lord's prayer, was formed by Matthew himself; Luke adopts the word. Eusebius (Lardher, Cred. 8 note p. 180) remarks that Matthew in quotations of the Old Testament does not follow the Septuagint, but makes his own translation. Quotations in his own narrative (1) pointing out the fulfillment of prophecy Matthew translates from the Hebrew. Quotations (2) of persons introduced, as Christ, are from the Greek Septuagint, even where differing from the Hebrew, e.g. Mt 3:3; 13:14. A mere translator would not have done so. An independent writer would do just what Matthew does, namely, in speeches of persons introduced would conform to the apostolic tradition which used the Septuagint, but in his own narrative would translate the Hebrew as he judged best under the Spirit.
These are arguments for Matthew's authorship of the Greek Gospel. Mark apparently alters or explains many passages found in our Matthew, for greater clearness, as if he had the Greek of Matthew before him (Mt 18:9; 19:1 with Mr 10:1; 9:47); and if the Greek existed so early it must have come from Matthew himself, not a transistor. The Latinisms (fragellosas, Mt 27:26; kodranteen, Mt 5:26) are unlike a translation from Hebrew into Greek, for why not use the Greek terms as Luke (Lu 12:59) does, rather than Graecised Latinisms? The Latinisms are natural to Matthew, as a portitor or gatherer of port dues, familiar with the Roman coin quadrans, and likely to quote the Latin for "scourging" (fragellosas from flagellum) used by the Roman governor in sentencing Jesus. Josephus' writing his history both in Greek and Hebrew (B. J. Preface 1) is parallel.
The great proof of Matthew's authorship of the Greek is that the Hebrew has left no trace of it except that which may exist in the Nazarene Gospel, whereas our Greek Matthew is quoted as authentic by the apostolic fathers (Polycarp, Ep. ii. 7; Ignatius, ad Smyr. 6; Clemens Romans i. 46; Barnabas, Ep. 4) and earliest Christians. Paul in writing to the Hebrew, Peter to the Jews of the dispersion, and James to the twelve tribes, write in Greek not Hebrew. How unlikely that Matthew's name should be substituted for the lost name of the unknown translator, and this in apostolic times; for John lived to see the completion of the canon; he never would have sanctioned as the authentic Gospel of Matthew a fragmentary compilation "in arrangement and selection of events not such as would have proceeded from an apostle and eye witness" (Alford). The Hebraisms accord with the Jewish character of Matthew's Gospel, and suit the earliest period of the church. At a later date it would have been less applicable to the existing state.
Early Christian writers quote the Greek, not the Hebrew, with implicit confidence in its authority as Matthew's work. The original Hebrew of which Papias, etc., speak none of them ever saw. If it had not been so, heretics would have gladly used such a handle against it, which they do not. The Syriac version of the second century is demonstrably made, not from its kindred tongue the Hebrew, but from the Greek Matthew; this to too in the country next Judea where Matthew wrote, and with which there was the freest communication. The Hebrew Matthew having served its local and temporary use was laid aside, just as Paul's temporary epistles (Col 4:16; 1Co 5:9) have not been transmitted to us, the Holy Spirit designing them to serve but for a time. Our Greek Matthew has few, if any, traces of being a translation; it has the general marks of being an independent work.
A translator would not have presumed to alter Matthew's original so as to have the air of originality which it has; if he had, his compilation would never have been accepted as the authentic Gospel of the inspired apostle Matthew by the churches which had within them men possessing the gift of "discerning spirits" (1Co 12:10). As Mark's name designates his Gospel, not that of Peter his apostolic guide, and Luke's name his Gospel not Paul's name, so if a translator had modified Matthew's Hebrew, his name not Matthew's would have designated it. All is clear if we suppose that, after inaccurate translations of his Hebrew by others such as Papias (above) notices, Matthew himself at a later date wrote, or dictated, in Greek for Greek speaking Jews the Gospel in fuller form than the Hebrew. His omission of the ascension (as included in the resurrection of which it is the complement) was just what we should expect if he wrote while the event was fresh in men's memory and the witnesses still at Jerusalem. If he had written at a later date he would have surely recorded it.
AIM. There is a lack in it of the vivid details found in the others, his aim being to give prominence to the Lord's discourses. Jesus' human aspect as the ROYAL. Son of David is mainly dwelt, on; but His divine aspect as Lord of David is also presented in Mt 22:45; 16:16; proving that Matthew's view accords with that of John, who makes prominent Jesus' divine claims. From the beginning Matthew introduces Jesus as "Son of David," but Mr 1:1 as "the Son of God," Luke as "the Son of Adam, the son of God" (Lu 3:38), John as "the Word" who "was God" (Joh 1:4). In the earlier part, down to the Baptist's death, he groups facts and discourses according to the subjects, not according to the times, whereas Mark arranges according to the times, in the places where they differ. Papias' description of the Hebrew Matthew as a studied arrangement (su
See Verses Found in Dictionary
All this happened for the fulfilment of what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: The maiden will conceive and bear a son, and his name will be called Immanuel (which may be translated, God is with us).
The maiden will conceive and bear a son, and his name will be called Immanuel (which may be translated, God is with us).
And you Bethlehem, in Judah's land, You are not least among the rulers of Judah: For a ruler will come from you, Who will shepherd Israel my people."
And you Bethlehem, in Judah's land, You are not least among the rulers of Judah: For a ruler will come from you, Who will shepherd Israel my people."
where he stayed until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had said by the prophet: I called my Son from Egypt.
where he stayed until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had said by the prophet: I called my Son from Egypt.
A cry was heard in Rama, weeping and sore lamentation ??Rachel weeping for her children, and inconsolable because they are no more.
(This was the man spoken of by the prophet Isaiah: The voice of one who cries in the desert, 'Make the way ready for the Lord, level the paths for him.')
(This was the man spoken of by the prophet Isaiah: The voice of one who cries in the desert, 'Make the way ready for the Lord, level the paths for him.')
(This was the man spoken of by the prophet Isaiah: The voice of one who cries in the desert, 'Make the way ready for the Lord, level the paths for him.')
He answered, "It is written, Man is not to live on bread alone, but on every word that issues from the mouth of God." Then the devil conveyed him to the holy city and, placing him on the pinnacle of the temple, read more. said to him, "If you are God's son, throw yourself down; for it is written, He will give his angels charge of you; they will bear you on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone." Jesus said to him, "It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God."
Then Jesus told him, "Begone, Satan! it is written, You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone."
for the fulfilment of what had been said by the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali lying to the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles!
Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali lying to the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles! The people who sat in darkness saw a great light, yea light dawned on those who sat in the land and the shadow of death.
The people who sat in darkness saw a great light, yea light dawned on those who sat in the land and the shadow of death.
Blessed are the humble! they will inherit the earth.
You have heard how the men of old were told, 'Murder not: whoever murders must come up for sentence,
truly I tell you, you will never get out till you pay the last halfpenny of your debt. You have heard how it used to be said, Do not commit adultery.
It used to be said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a divorce-certificate.
Once again, you have heard how the men of old were told, 'You must not forswear yourself but discharge your vows to the Lord'.
You have heard the saying, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
You have heard the saying, 'You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy.'
Then Jesus told him, "See, you are not to say a word to anybody; away and show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, to notify men."
When Jesus heard that, he marvelled; "I tell you truly," he said to his followers, "I have never met faith like this anywhere in Israel. Many, I tell you, will come from east and west and take their places beside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Realm of heaven, read more. while the sons of the Realm will pass outside, into the darkness; there men will wail and gnash their teeth."
Go and learn the meaning of this word, I care for mercy not for sacrifice. For I have not come to call just men but sinners."
I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; yes, a man's own household will be his enemies.
the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised.
This is he of whom it is written, Here I send my messenger before your face to prepare the way for you.
He replied, "Have you not read what David did when he and his men were hungry,
Have you not read in the Law that the priests in the temple are not guilty when they desecrate the sabbath?
Besides, if you had known what this meant, I care for mercy not for sacrifice, you would not have condemned men who are not guilty.
Here is my servant whom I have selected, my Beloved in whom my soul delights; I will invest him with my Spirit, and he will proclaim religion to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or shout, no one will hear his voice in the streets. read more. He will not break the bruised reed, he will not put out the smouldering flax, till he carries religion to victory: and the Gentiles will hope in his name.
for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so the Son of man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and here is One greater than Solomon.
In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled: You will hear and hear but never understand, you will see and see but never perceive.
In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled: You will hear and hear but never understand, you will see and see but never perceive.
In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled: You will hear and hear but never understand, you will see and see but never perceive. For the heart of this people is obtuse, their ears are heavy of hearing, their eyes they have closed, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they understand with their heart and turn again, and I cure them.
Then Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, "Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they take their food."
This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me:
Jesus said to them, "How many loaves have you got?" They said, "Seven, and some little fish."
So Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
in their presence he was transfigured, his face shone like the sun, and his clothes turned white as light.
If your eye is a hindrance to you, tear it out and throw it away; better get into Life with one eye than keep your two eyes and be thrown into the fire of Gehenna.
If your brother sins [against you], go and reprove him, as between you and him alone. If he listens to you, then you have won your brother over;
When Jesus finished saying this he moved from Galilee and went to the territory of Judaea that lies across the Jordan.
He replied, "Have you never read that He who created them male and female from the beginning said, Hence a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and the pair shall be one flesh?
They said to him, "Then why did Moses lay it down that we were to divorce by giving a separation-notice?"
"Which?" he said. Jesus answered, "The commands, you shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness,
Tell the daughter of Sion, 'Here is your king coming to you, He is gentle and mounted on an ass, And on a colt the foal of a beast of burden.'
And the crowds who went in front of him and who followed behind shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed be he who comes in the Lord's name! Hosanna in high heaven!"
and told them, "It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers."
they said to him, "Do you hear what they are saying?" "Yes," said Jesus, "have you never read Thou hast brought praise to perfection from the mouth of babes and sucklings?"
Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures, The stone that the builders rejected is the chief stone now of the corner: this is the doing of the Lord, and a wonder to our eyes?
[Everyone who falls on this stone will be shattered, and whoever it falls upon will be crushed.]"
"Teacher, Moses said that if anyone dies without children, his brother is to espouse his wife and raise offspring for his brother.
I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? He is not a God of dead people but of living."
He replied, "You must love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with your whole mind.
There is a second like it: you must love your neighbour as yourself.
If David calls him Lord, how can he be his son?"
If David calls him Lord, how can he be his son?"
it is that on you may fall the punishment for all the just blood shed on earth from the blood of Abel the just down to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.
See, your House is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will never see me again till you say, Blessed be he who comes in the Lord's name."
So when you see the appalling Horror spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing erect in the holy place (let the reader note this),
Immediately after the misery of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not yield her light, the stars will drop from heaven and the orbs of the heavens will be shaken.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
As were the days of Noah, so will the arrival of the Son of man be.
Then Jesus said to them, "You will all be disconcerted over me to-night, for it is written, I will strike at the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.
Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; all who draw the sword shall die by the sword.
Jesus said to him, "Even so! But I tell you, in future you will all see the Son of man seated at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
So after consulting they bought with it the Potter's Field, to serve as a burying-place for strangers. That is why the field is called to this day "The Field of Blood."
That is why the field is called to this day "The Field of Blood." Then the word spoken by the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: and I took the thirty silver pieces, the price of him who had been priced, whom they had priced and expelled from the sons of Israel;
Then he released Bar-Abbas for them; Jesus he scourged and handed over to be crucified.
Then they crucified him, distributed his clothes among them by drawing lots,
His trust is in God? Let God deliver him now if he cares for him! He said he was the Son of God!"
and about three o'clock Jesus gave a loud cry, "Eli, eli, lema sabachthani" (that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?)
and about three o'clock Jesus gave a loud cry, "Eli, eli, lema sabachthani" (that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?)
Next day (that is, on the day after the Preparation) the high priests and Pharisees gathered round Pilate
So the soldiers took the money and followed their instructions; and this story has been disseminated among the Jews down to the present day.
THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of God].
Now the Pharisees gathered to meet him, with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem. They noticed that some of his disciples ate their food with 'common' (that is, unwashed) hands. read more. (The Pharisees and all the Jews decline to eat till they wash their hands up to the wrist, in obedience to the tradition of the elders; they decline to eat what comes from the market till they have washed it; and they have a number of other traditions to keep about washing cups and jugs and basins [and beds].)
If your eye is a hindrance to you, tear it out: better get into God's Realm with one eye, than keep your two eyes and be thrown into Gehenna,
Then he left and went to the territory of Judaea over the Jordan. Crowds gathered to him again, and again he taught them as usual.
But whenever you see the appalling Horror standing where he has no right to stand (let the reader note this), then let those who are in Judaea fly to the hills;
By this time it was evening, and as it was the day of Preparation (that is, the day before the sabbath)
the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
I tell you, you will never get out till you pay the last farthing of your debt."
It was the day of the Preparation and the sabbath was just dawning.
In him life lay, and this life was the Light for men:
He took him to Jesus; Jesus gazed at him and said, "You are Simon, the son of John? Your name is to be Cephas" (meaning 'Peter' or 'rock').
(it was the day of Preparation for the passover, about noon). "There is your king!" he said to the Jews.
Now, as it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies remaining on the cross during the sabbath (for that sabbath-day was a great day), the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed.
so they put Jesus there, since it was the Jewish day of Preparation, seeing that the tomb was close by.
You will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses at Jerusalem, throughout all Judaea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
one has prophecy, another the gift of distinguishing spirits, another the gift of 'tongues' in their variety, another the gift of interpreting 'tongues.'
And when this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans; also, see that you read the letter that reaches you from Laodicea.
For if the divine word spoken by angels held good, if transgression and disobedience met with due punishment in every case,
Greet it as pure joy, my brothers, when you come across any sort of trial,
Whereas he who gazes into the faultless law of freedom and remains in that position, proving himself to be no forgetful listener but an active agent, he will be blessed in his activity.
Above all, my brothers, never swear an oath, either by heaven or by earth or by anything else; let your "yes" be a plain "yes," your "no" a plain "no," lest you incur judgment.