The Gospel According To Matthew

The Gospel According To Matthew.

1. Date: c. 70–85 AD. The composition is inextricably linked to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. While some early traditions suggest an earlier date, the internal evidence—particularly the detailed discourse on the Temple’s destruction—indicates that Matthew was either witnessing or reflecting upon this seismic shift in Jewish life, framing the life of Christ as the true, eternal "Temple" of God..

2. Author: Matthew (Levi). The author is identified by early church tradition (notably Papias and Irenaeus) as Matthew the tax collector, one of the Twelve. His perspective is that of an eyewitness who was intimately familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, as evidenced by his distinct focus on how Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection fulfilled specific prophetic utterances..

3. Audience: The Jewish Diaspora. The primary audience was Jewish believers living in the wake of the Temple's collapse. They were experiencing an identity crisis: if the Temple is gone, where is the presence of God? Matthew writes to demonstrate that the presence of God ("Immanuel") is now found in Jesus of Nazareth, the rightful heir to the promises made to Israel..

4. Situation: The Messianic Tension. The Jewish people lived under the oppressive Roman occupation, characterized by economic exploitation and religious corruption. The prevailing expectation was a political or military Messiah who would overthrow Rome. Matthew’s situation is one of pastoral correction; he is explaining that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is not a political state to be seized by force, but a spiritual and ethical reality inaugurated by the King..

5. Intent: Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

6. Covenantal Root: The Davidic and Abrahamic Lineage.