The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, a former tax collector who became one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Here are some important historical and contextual elements to consider:
Historical Context
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Date of Composition: Scholars generally date the Gospel of Matthew to approximately 70-90 CE. This places it in a period shortly after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (70 CE) and possibly during a time of growing tension between Jewish Christians and the Jewish community.
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Intended Audience: Matthew is often thought to have been written for a predominantly Jewish Christian audience. This is reflected in its emphasis on how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and its frequent quotations from Hebrew scriptures. The Gospel also addresses issues relevant to Jewish life and law.
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Relation to Other Gospels: Matthew shares many similarities with the Gospel of Mark, suggesting that it used Mark as a source (the "Markan priority" hypothesis). It also includes material found in the hypothetical 'Q' source, which is believed to contain teachings of Jesus that are common to both Matthew and Luke.
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Themes of Fulfillment: A prominent theme in Matthew is the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. The author frequently cites Hebrew scriptures to illustrate how Jesus is the anticipated Messiah. This approach aims to convince a Jewish audience of Jesus' messianic identity.
Contextual Information
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Genealogy of Jesus: Matthew begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham and David. This establishes Jesus' credentials as the Messiah, fulfilling the Jewish expectation of a descendant of David.
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Sermon on the Mount: One of the most significant sections of Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which includes the Beatitudes and other key teachings of Jesus. This section emphasizes ethical conduct and the spirit of the law rather than mere legal adherence.
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Emphasis on the Kingdom of Heaven: Matthew often refers to the "Kingdom of Heaven," which underscores the Gospel's theological perspective. This term reflects Jewish sensitivities, avoiding the direct use of "God" and connecting Jesus’ teachings to Jewish eschatological hopes.
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Community Issues: The Gospel speaks to the struggles of the early Christian community, including conflicts with traditional Jewish authorities and internal disputes about leadership and authority. This is evident in passages that address church governance and discipline.
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End of the Age: Matthew contains the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), where Jesus instructs his disciples to make disciples of all nations. This emphasizes the growing mission of the church beyond the Jewish community.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Matthew serves as a bridge between Judaism and Christianity, showcasing the continuity of God's plan as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures and culminating in Jesus. Its historical context and theological themes resonate with the challenges and beliefs of the early Christian community, making it a crucial text for understanding the origins of Christianity.
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