Introduction - Matthew in Twelve Weeks

A Bible Study Covering the Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew - Leader Guide and Handout

As the first book in the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew serves to introduce readers to the critical teachings of Jesus, walk them through a narrative of His life story, and argue that Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah. Let’s start by asking some questions about the gospel as a whole: Who wrote it? What is it? When was it written? Where was it written? Why was it written? These questions will help us to understand the gospel in its historical context.

Introductory Questions

Consider asking these questions to the study group. When needed, facilitate the discussion by summarizing or reading each section.

Who?

Matthew (also known as Levi), the tax collector. Matthew wrote to early Christian audiences, both Jew and Gentile, aiming to relay his account of the life of Jesus. Matthew is one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Prior to becoming a disciple and apostle of Jesus, he was a tax collector (Matthew 9:9-13). Matthew seems to have been especially concerned with writing in a compelling way to the Jewish audience, as is evidenced by his numerous Old Testament references and the way he presented Jesus as the prophesied Jewish Messiah by highlighting the prophecies He fulfilled.

Be Aware

While church tradition has strongly linked this gospel to Matthew the apostle, many scholars question the direct authorship due to its potential dependence on Mark's Gospel and a hypothetical, prior source (Q) not present in the Bible; this is sometimes referred to the “two-source hypothesis”. In the context of New Testament scholarship, there are other proposed solutions to the “Synoptic Problem,” namely, the study of the relationships between Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the synoptic gospels) and why there is so much overlapping material in these New Testament books, including arguments that negate the need for a pre-Biblical written source. Many of the early church fathers actually believed that Matthew was the oldest of the synoptic gospels; Augustine himself suggested that Mark abbreviated Matthew, with Luke simply using both Matthew and Mark as sources. While we cannot be sure of the sources used by Matthew or his followers, Apostolic authorship is a particularly important topic in certain Christian traditions, as it may be closely linked to the broader topic of the inspiration of Scripture. However, when teaching Matthew to broader audiences, it may be worth noting the simple truth that, whether it was written directly by Matthew or by Matthean followers, the text holds significant value in understanding the teachings and works of Jesus.

What?

The Gospel of Matthew is first and foremost a Gospel containing narratives about and teaching from Jesus. The book of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament and one of the three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). It provides a narrative portrait of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, emphasizing his teachings and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of its standout sections, giving readers profound insights into Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God and largely setting the stage for the rest of the book.

When?

50-90 AD. Many scholars place the writing of Matthew's Gospel in the last three decades of the 1st century, as may be suggested by the two-source hypothesis (see Be Aware above) and associated theories on the date of Mark. However, either by accepting a particularly early date of Mark or by accepting the priority of Matthew, the fifth and sixth decades (50s-60s AD) are possible as well. As is the case with the dating of all NT literature, this is a topic garnering significant scholarly effort and attention. However, given that Christ’s death was around 30 AD, Matthew’s date range suggests an early yet well-reflected account of Jesus’s life.

Where?

Unknown, but possibly Antioch of Syria. While the precise location where Matthew's Gospel was written is not definitively known, some early church traditions and the gospel's style suggest it might have been written in Antioch, a significant early Christian hub with a significant Jewish population. The emphasis on Jewish traditions and prophecies also hints at an audience familiar with Jewish customs, making regions with Jewish populations likely candidates.

Why?

Matthew seeks to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah and to teach about the Kingdom of God. Key emphases include the following:

1. Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy: Matthew frequently uses the phrase, "so that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled" (e.g., Matthew 1:22-23, 2:14-15).

2. Jesus' Authority: Demonstrated through miracles, teachings, and confrontations with religious leaders.

3. Discipleship: Calls and trains followers, emphasizing the cost and reward of discipleship (e.g., Matthew 16:24-28).

4. The Kingdom of God: The nature and values of the Kingdom are extensively taught, especially through parables (e.g., Matthew 13).

5. The Final Judgment: Highlights the coming judgment and the need for genuine righteousness (e.g., Matthew 25:31-46).

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Outlines

These outlines aim to explain the structure and topics contained in the Gospel of Matthew by Session, as well as Topically. As you progress from chapter to chapter, regularly re-orient the study in the outline to keep the context in context. Overlaying the book with structure in this way may help with retention and learning as a whole.

Study Session Outline

The following outline suggests session-level divisions of Matthew for a study lasting twelve sessions. These will by hyperlinked to their relevant posts when possible. You may cross-reference this outline with the topical outline below for a topical preview of what to expect during each session.

If you require a study of a different length, it is recommended to rework this outline ahead of time by dividing the Topical Outline into the number of sessions you need.

Consider previewing the following outline to the study group. Encourage the group to schedule time to read ahead of each session.

1. Introduction (You are here)

2. Early Life and Ministry of Jesus (Chapters 1-4)

3. Sermon on the Mount Part I (Chapter 5)

4. Sermon on the Mount Part II (Chapters 6-7)

5. Jesus’s Miracles, Authority, and Teaching of the Twelve (Chapters 8-10)

6. Opposition and Parables of the Kingdom (Chapters 11-13)

7. Continued Confrontations and More Miracles (Chapters 14-16:12)

8. The True Christ and Following Him (Chapters 16:13-18)

9. Teachings on Community and the Kingdom (Chapters 19-20)

10. Conflict and Prophecy in Jerusalem (Chapters 21-25)

11. The Passion of Christ (Chapters 26-27)

12. Resurrection, Commission, and Review (Chapter 28 + Review)

Topical Outline

This two-level outline is meant to be a quick way to orient oneself in the book of Matthew, suggesting bite-sized contexts within which verses can be better understood.

1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus (Chapters 1-2)

   1. The Genealogy of Jesus (1:1-17)

   2. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus (1:18-25)

   3. The Visit of the Magi and Escape to Egypt (2:1-12)

   4. Herod’s Massacre and the Return to Nazareth (2:13-23)

2. The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry (Chapters 3-4)

   1. John the Baptist and Jesus' Baptism (3:1-17)

   2. The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness (4:1-11)

   3. Jesus’ Calling of His First Disciples (4:12-22)

   4. Jesus’ Early Ministry in Galilee (4:23-25)

3. The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7)

   1. The Beatitudes (5:1-12)

   2. Teachings on Salt and Light (5:13-16)

   3. Fulfillment of the Law (5:17-48)

   4. Teachings on Righteousness (6:1-18)

   5. Warnings Against Materialism (6:19-34)

   6. Judgment and Discipleship (7:1-29)

4. Jesus’ Miracles and Authority (Chapters 8-9)

   1. Healing Miracles (8:1-17)

   2. Calming the Storm and Casting Out Demons (8:18-34)

   3. Healing a Paralytic and Calling Matthew (9:1-13)

   4. Further Miracles and Teachings on Faith (9:14-38)

5. Missional Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (Chapter 10)

   1. Commissioning of the Twelve Apostles (10:1-15)

   2. Instructions for the Disciples’ Mission (10:16-42)

6. Opposition and Responses to Jesus (Chapters 11-12)

   1. Jesus and John the Baptist (11:1-19)

   2. Woes to Unrepentant Cities (11:20-24)

   3. Jesus’ Invitation to the Weary (11:25-30)

   4. Controversies Over the Sabbath (12:1-14)

   5. Confrontations with the Pharisees (12:15-45)

   6. Jesus’ True Family (12:46-50)

7. Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)

   1. Parable of the Sower (13:1-23)

   2. Parables of the Weeds, Mustard Seed, and Yeast (13:24-43)

   3. Parables of the Hidden Treasure, Pearl, and Net (13:44-52)

   4. Rejection at Nazareth (13:53-58)

8. Pharisee Confrontations and More Miracles (14-16:12)

   1. Herod’s Response to Jesus and Death of John the Baptist (14:1-12)

   2. Feeding the Five Thousand and Walking on Water (14:13-36)

   3. Confrontations with the Pharisees (15:1-20)

   4. Miraculous Healings (15:21-31)

   5. Feeding of the Four Thousand (15:32-39)

   6. The Leaven of the Pharisees (16:1-12)

9. Jesus as Christ, the Son of God (Chapters 16:13-17:13)

   1. Peter's Confession (16:13-20)

   2. Jesus’ Foretelling of His Death and Instruction to His Disciples to Follow (16:21-28)

   3. The Transfiguration (17:1-13)

10. Messianic Healings and Public Teachings (Chapters 17:14-20)

    1. Healing of a Demon-Possessed Boy (17:14-27)

    2. Teachings on Forgiveness and Faith (18:1-35)

    3. Jesus’ Teachings on Divorce, Children, and Riches (19:1-30)

    4. Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (20:1-16)

    5. Jesus’ Third Prediction of His Death and Ransom for Many (20:17-34)

11. The Passion Week: Jesus in Jerusalem (Chapters 21-25)

    1. Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem and Cleansing the Temple (21:1-17)

    2. Fig Tree, Challenges to Authority, and Parables (21:18-22:14)

    3. Controversies with Religious Leaders (22:15-46)

    4. Jesus’ Condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees (23:1-39)

    5. The Olivet Discourse on the End Times (24:1-25:46)

12. The Passion Narrative: Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion (Chapters 26-27)

    1. The Plot to Kill Jesus and the Anointing at Bethany (26:1-16)

    2. The Last Supper and Jesus' Arrest (26:17-75)

    3. Jesus Before Pilate and His Crucifixion (27:1-56)

    4. The Burial of Jesus and Guarding the Tomb (27:57-66)

13. The Resurrection and the Great Commission (Chapter 28)

    1. The Resurrection of Jesus (28:1-10)

    2. The Guards’ Report (28:11-15)

    3. The Great Commission (28:16-20)

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Conversation Starters

Time permitting, engage the study group with the following questions, or use them to discuss and review this session in the future.

How might thinking about the cultural and historical setting of Matthew help you understand the book?

Which key themes in Matthew are you looking forward to learning more about during this study?

How does Matthew’s emphasis on fulfilling prophecy contribute to his gospel message?

In the context of the Jewish and Roman societies, how might the idea of the “Kingdom of Heaven” be received? Does that differ from how we understand it today?

How might the setting and audience of Matthew affect how we apply it in today’s world?

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Resources

Introduction - Matthew in Twelve Weeks

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Introduction - Matthew In Twelve Weeks Handout

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