Matthew
28 chapters · New Testament
The Gospel of Matthew is widely believed to have been written by Matthew, also called Levi, a tax collector who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Most scholars date the book between A.D. 60 and 90, with a Jewish-Christian audience likely in mind, possibly centered around Antioch of Syria. The careful arrangement of Jesus' teachings into five major discourses — echoing the five books of Moses — and the repeated phrase 'that it might be fulfilled' reveal an author deeply committed to demonstrating that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah of Israel.
Matthew's central purpose is to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises, the true Son of David and Son of Abraham. Yet this King breaks expected boundaries, extending His kingdom to all peoples through the Great Commission in chapter 28. Major themes include the Kingdom of Heaven, the true meaning of the Law, discipleship, the church, and the authority of Jesus as teacher, healer, and risen Lord. Matthew invites every reader to trust and follow this Jesus who is, as the book memorably begins and ends, 'God with us.'