Study the Book of
Matthew
A guide to understanding the structure, themes, and message of
Matthew
Overview
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, emphasizing how His life fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
Quick Facts
Date
First century AD
Author
Traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew
Testament
New Testament
Biblical Division
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Literary Genre
Gospel
Purpose
To demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah and to teach the nature of His kingdom.
Historical & Biblical Context
The Gospel of Matthew presents the life and ministry of Jesus with a particular emphasis on showing that He is the promised Messiah. Written within the early decades of the Christian movement, the book connects the events of Jesus’ life with the Scriptures that preceded Him. Matthew repeatedly draws attention to how Jesus fulfills what was spoken through the prophets. </p>
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<p class="font_8">The Gospel begins with Jesus’ genealogy and birth, establishing His place in the line of David and Abraham. It then records His teachings, miracles, and interactions with both followers and opponents. Large teaching sections—including the Sermon on the Mount—reveal the nature of the kingdom of heaven and the character expected of those who follow Christ. </p>
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<p class="font_8">In the biblical timeline, Matthew stands at the opening of the New Testament and records events that occur several centuries after the last Old Testament prophets. The book bridges the earlier promises of Scripture with their fulfillment in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. By the end of the Gospel, the risen Christ commissions His disciples to carry the message of the kingdom to all nations.</p>
Structure
01
Birth and Preparation (Matthew 1–4)
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01
Miracles and Ministry (Matthew 8–12)
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01
Journey to the Cross (Matthew 14–25)
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01
Teaching the Kingdom (Matthew 5–7)
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01
Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)
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Death and Resurrection (Matthew 26–28)
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Major Themes
Jesus as the Promised Messiah
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah whose life and ministry fulfill the Scriptures.
The Kingdom of Heaven
A major emphasis in Matthew is the nature of the kingdom of heaven, including its ethics, demands, and future fulfillment.
Fulfillment of Scripture
Matthew frequently connects events in Jesus' life to earlier Scripture, showing continuity with God's prior revelation.
Discipleship
The Gospel calls readers not only to recognize Jesus' identity but also to follow Him in obedience, humility, and faith.
Conflict and Rejection
Matthew shows increasing opposition to Jesus, culminating in His crucifixion even as God's purposes are being accomplished.
Key Passages
Matthew 1:21–23
Matthew begins by identifying Jesus as Savior and Immanuel, linking His coming to God's prior promises.
Matthew 16:15–17
Peter's confession marks a crucial recognition of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 28:18–20
The risen Christ commissions His disciples and declares His universal authority.
Matthew 5:3–12
The Beatitudes describe the character of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 22:37–40
Jesus summarizes the Law in terms of wholehearted love for God and neighbor.
Observe Fulfillment of Scripture
Matthew frequently connects events in Jesus' life with earlier Scripture. Notice how these fulfillments reinforce the identity of Jesus as the Messiah.
Watch the Major Teaching Sections
Matthew organizes Jesus' teachings into several large discourses. Pay attention to how these teachings describe life in the kingdom.
Notice the Growing Opposition
As the narrative progresses, opposition to Jesus increases. Observe how this conflict leads toward the events of the cross.
How to Study
Matthew
Guided Study Path
If you're not sure where to begin, this pathway breaks the book into study units that can be carefully observed and meditated on in one sitting, though they don't have to be. Study 1, for example, can take several days, while Study 2 may be only one day. It's intentionally not broken into timed units, so that you can move at your own pace and spend time with each passage.
Study 1
Matthew 1
Genealogy and birth of Jesus: observe how Matthew establishes Jesus as the promised son of David and Abraham.
Study 4
Matthew 4
The temptation of Jesus and the beginning of His public ministry.
Study 7
Matthew 7
Warnings and conclusions of the Sermon on the Mount.
Study 10
Matthew 11–12
Growing opposition and questions about Jesus' identity.
Study 13
Matthew 16
Peter's confession and Jesus' teaching about the cross.
Study 16
Matthew 19–20
Teachings on discipleship, sacrifice, and the nature of the kingdom.
Study 19
Matthew 23
Jesus' warnings against hypocrisy.
Study 22
Matthew 26
The last supper, betrayal, and Jesus' arrest.
Study 2
Matthew 2
The early threats to the Messiah and God's protection of the child Jesus.
Study 5
Matthew 5
The opening of the Sermon on the Mount and the character of the kingdom.
Study 8
Matthew 8–9
Miracles that reveal Jesus' authority over sickness, nature, and sin.
Study 11
Matthew 13
Parables of the kingdom and the nature of spiritual hearing.
Study 14
Matthew 17
The transfiguration and further teaching on faith and humility.
Study 17
Matthew 21
The triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple.
Study 20
Matthew 24
The Olivet discourse and the coming judgment.
Study 23
Matthew 27
The trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
Study 3
Matthew 3
The ministry of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus.
Study 6
Matthew 6
Kingdom righteousness in prayer, devotion, and daily life.
Study 9
Matthew 10
The commissioning of the twelve disciples.
Study 12
Matthew 14–15
Miracles, compassion, and teaching about true defilement.
Study 15
Matthew 18
Life within the community of believers.
Study 18
Matthew 22
Debates with the religious leaders and the greatest commandment.
Study 21
Matthew 25
Parables of readiness and final accountability.
Study 24
Matthew 28
The resurrection and the Great Commission.
Continue Your Study
Character Studies Related to
Matthew
John the Baptist
Preparation and Witness
Judas Iscariot
Betrayal and Unrepentance
Mary, Mother of Jesus
Obedience and Submission
Word Studies Related to
Matthew
Dig Deeper into
Matthew
Our Bible study guides walk through each book with structured questions that help you observe the text carefully, trace major themes, and understand how the message fits within the larger story of Scripture. The Study Guide can be used individually or with the Leader Guide in a group setting.
Study guides are currently in development. Check back soon for when they become available.