Matthew
About this date: Dates are broad scholarly estimates of composition or final editing, not dates of the events narrated. Traditional attributions and scholarly assessments can differ.
Matthew presents Jesus as Israel's Messiah and teacher. Its genealogy, extended teaching blocks, passion narrative, and final commission frame a story of fulfillment and discipleship. The Gospel's received title names Matthew; the narrative itself does not identify its author in a first-person signature.
Key points
- Read the Sermon on the Mount as a sustained account of kingdom life, not a loose list of sayings.
- Matthew repeatedly connects Jesus' story with Israel's Scriptures; examine each cited passage in its earlier setting.
- The final commission joins baptism with continuing instruction.
Scripture
- Matthew 1:1-17 — The genealogy introduces Jesus through Abraham and David.
- Matthew 5:1-7:29 — A long teaching discourse addresses righteousness, prayer, judgment, and practice.
- Matthew 13:1-52 — Kingdom parables require attention to different hearers and responses.
- Matthew 28:16-20 — The risen Jesus commissions disciples to teach and baptize.
Primary sources
Athanasius's list names:
Athanasius's 367 Festal Letter names Matthew among 'the four Gospels' in his New Testament list; it does not identify how Matthew was composed.
Again it is not tedious to speak of the [books] of the New Testament. These are, the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Passage context and translation
Athanasius proceeds to list the New Testament books in a 367 letter. Section 7 distinguishes books he calls canonical from other books he says are useful for instruction; this is one regional bishop's influential witness.
Before the excerpt
Thus far constitutes the Old Testament.
After the excerpt
Afterwards, the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (called Catholic), seven
Matthew 28:19 states:
Matthew's final commission explicitly joins making disciples with baptism; its next verse adds teaching.
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Passage context and translation
The risen Jesus commissions disciples to teach and baptize.
Before the excerpt
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
After the excerpt
teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.