Everything you need to kick start your study of the Gospel of Matthew: maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study.
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Related Bible Studies
Matthew’s Gospel 1-7: Behold the King! Part 1
Matthew’s Gospel 8-12 Behold the King! Part 2
Parables of Jesus
Temptations of Jesus
Basics
- Author: the Apostle Matthew (aka Levi).
- See: Who was Matthew?
- Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him.
- Date Written: 58-68 AD
- The early church fathers unanimously believed Matthew’s gospel was the first gospel written.
- The view that Mark’s gospel was first (which is more popular today) did not arise until the first half of the 19thCentury. These scholars would date Matthew’s gospel around 80 AD.
- Primary audience: Greek-speaking Jewish Christians, quite probably in Antioch, Syria.
- Matthew’s gospel was placed first in the New Testament Canon by the early church because it’s opening forms a natural bridge between the Old and New Testaments.
- Purpose: Convince Jewish readers that Jesus Christ is the culmination of the Old Testament promises and that Jesus is the Messiah.
- Matthew often uses the phrase “that which was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled”. That phrase does not appear in Mark, Luke or John.
- There are more quotations from the Old Testament in Matthew’s gospel than in the remaining three put together.
Structure
Matthew contains important transition markers in the text:
- Literary: “When Jesus had finished saying these things…” (Mt 7:28-29; Mt 11:1; Mt 13:53; Mt 19:1; Mt 26:1); 5 blocks of teaching.
- Temporal: “From that time Jesus began to preach” (Mt 4:17) and “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples” (Mt 16:21).
- Theological: “This was to fulfill what was spoken…” (Mt 1:22; Mt 2:6; Mt 2:15; Mt 2:17; Mt 2:23; Mt 4:15-16; Mt 8:17; Mt 12:17-21; Mt 13:14; Mt 12:35; Mt 21:4; Mt 27:9-10).
- inclusio (a device of using the same phrase to begin and end a section): “his name shall be called Immanuel which means ‘God with us'” (Mt 1:23) and “lo I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mat 28:20).
There are many different ways to outline the gospel of Matthew. Here are 2 examples:
Simple Outline
- Prologue – Chapters 1-4
- Galilee – Chapters 5-16:12; Jesus’ ministry in Galilee
- Turning Point – Chapters 16:13-17; Jesus prepares to go to Jerusalem
- Jerusalem – Chapters 18-28; Journey to Jerusalem, culminating in the passion week.
More detailed Outline
- 1:1-2:23 – Prologue
- 3:1-4:11 – Introduction to Jesus’s public ministry
- 4:12-11:1 – Galilean ministry
- Narrative: Introduction (4:12-22) & summary (4:23-25)
- Discourse 1: Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:27) & summary (7:28-29)
- Narrative: The Authority of Jesus (8:1-9:34) & summary (9:35-38)
- Discourse 2: Commissioning the 12 (9:36-10:42) & summary (11:1)
- Narrative: Responses to Jesus; rejected by leaders; accepted by the disciples (11:2-12:50)
- Discourse 3: Parables of the Kingdom (13:1-52) & summary (13:53)
- Narrative: Rejected by Jewish leaders; accepted by the disciples intensifies (13:54-17:27)
- Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ (16:13-21)
- 16:21-28:20 – Journey to Jerusalem
- Narrative: Jesus prepares for Jerusalem (16:21-17:27)
- Discourse 4: Talking of the church; (18:1-35) & summary (19:1)
- Narrative: The Messiah instructs on the way to Jerusalem (19:2-20:34)
- Narrative: The Messiah confronts Israel in Jerusalem (21:1-22:26)
- Discourse 5: The Olivet Discourse (23:1-25:46) & summary (26:1)
- Narrative: The Messiah is rejected in Jerusalem, but vindicated by God (26:2-28:20)
Genre: Understanding the Gospels
Charts & Lists
Comparison of Sermon on the Mount and Sermon on the Plain
Blue Letter Bible: Chronology of Acts/Epistles
Background & Outlines
Blue Letter Bible: Matthew Overview
Overview of the Book by Ray C Stedman
Author, Date, Background by John MacArthur
Ligonier: Introduction to the Gospels
Ligonier: Introduction to Matthew
Biblehub: Chronology of Matthew
ESV: The Global Message of Matthew
David Malick (Bible.org): An Introduction to Matthew
David Malick: An Argument of Matthew
James van dine: Introduction to Matthew
The Message of Matthew – Ray C. Stedman
Bible Atlas: Galilee
Bible Atlas: Nazareth
Bible Atlas: Jerusalem
Bible Atlas: Bethlehem
Bible Atlas: Judea
Bible Atlas: Jordan River
Maps from Holman Bible Atlas
Rome’s Emergence as a World Power
Roman Expansion in the 3rd & 2nd centuries BCE
Civil Wars amidst Roman Expansion in 1st century BCE
Roman Empire in the Age of Augustus
Romans, Palestine, and Herod the Great
Roman Rule in Palestine 63-40 BCE
The Kingdom of Herod the Great
The World of Jesus
The Division of Herod’s Kingdom
Palestine in the Time of Jesus (1)
Palestine in the Time of Jesus (2)
Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls
The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus’ Birth and Early Childhood
The Birth, Childhood, and Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee and Journey to Jerusalem
The Ministry of Jesus around the Sea of Galilee
The Ministry of Jesus beyond Galilee
Jesus’ Ministry according to John
Jesus’ Journeys from Galilee to Judea
Jerusalem in the New Testament Period
Maps from Bible-History.com
Jerusalem at the time of Jesus
Key Words in Matthew
Occurrences are based on New American Standard Text. “4x/3v” means the word appears 4 times in 3 verses. “3x” means the word appears 3 times in 3 verses.
Son (72x) – Strong’s G5207; G5043 in 9:2; Son of Man – 30x; Son of God – 8x
Kingdom (53x) -Strong’s 6932; Kingdom of heaven (Strong’s G3772) – 31x; Kingdom of God (Strong’s G2316) – 4x
King (19x) – Strong’s G935 in Mat 1:6; Mat 2:1; Mat 2:2; Mat 2:3; Mat 2:9; Mat 5:35; Mat 14:9; Mat 18:23; Mat 21:5; Mat 22:7; Mat 22:11; Mat 22:13; Mat 25:34; Mat 25:40; Mat 27:11; Mat 27:29; Mat 27:37; Mat 27:42; Strong’s G444 in Mat 22:2;
Blessed (17x) – Strong’s G3017 in Mat 5:3; Mat 5:4; Mat 5:5; Mat 5:6; Mat 5:7; Mat 5:8; Mat 5:9; Mat 5:10; Mat 5:11; Mat 11:6; Mat 13:16; Mat 16:17; Mat 24:46; Strong’s G2127 in Mat 14:19; Mat 21:9; Mat 23:39; Mat 25:34.
fulfill (12x) – Strong’s G1437 in Mat 1:22; Mat 2:15; Mat 2:23; Mat 3:15; Mat 4:14; Mat 5:17; Mat 5:33; Mat 8:17; Mat 12:17; Mat 13:35; Mat 21:4; Mat 26:56; fulfilled (4x) in Mat 2:17; Mat 26:54; Mat 27:9; Strong’s G378 in Mat 13:14.
spirit (16x); Holy Spirit (5x); Spirit of God (2x) – Strong’s G4151 in Mat 1:18; Mat 1:20; Mat 3:11; Mat 3:16; Mat 4:1; Mat 5:3; Mat 10:20; Mat 12:18; Mat 12:28; Mat 12:31; Mat 12:32; Mat 12:43; Mat 22:43; Mat 26:41; Mat 27:50; Mat 28:19.
truly (31x) – Strong’s G281 in Mat 5:18; Mat 5:26; Mat 6:2; Mat 6:5; Mat 6:16; Mat 8:10; Mat 10:15; Mat 10:23; Mat 10:42; Mat 11:11; Mat 13:17; Mat 16:28; Mat 17:20; Mat 18:3; Mat 18:13; Mat 18:18; Mat 19:23; Mat 19:28; Mat 21:21; Mat 21:31; Mat 23:36; Mat 24:2; Mat 24:34; Mat 24:47; Mat 25:12; Mat 25:40; Mat 25:45; Mat 26:13; Mat 26:21; Mat 26:34; Mat 27:54.
Pharisees (29x) – Strong’s G5330 in Mat 3:7; Mat 5:20; Mat 9:11; Mat 9:14; Mat 9:34; Mat 12:2; Mat 12:14; Mat 12:24; Mat 12:38; Mat 15:1; Mat 15:12; Mat 16:1; Mat 16:6; Mat 16:11; Mat 16:12; Mat 19:3; Mat 21:45; Mat 22:15; Mat 22:34; Mat 22:41; Mat 23:2; Mat 23:13; Mat 23:14; Mat 23:15; Mat 23:23; Mat 23:25; Mat 23:27; Mat 23:29; Mat 27:62.
Commentaries
Top 5 Commentaries on Matthew by Keith Mathison – Ligonier.org
Best Commentaries on Matthew – Tim Challies
Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: Matthew
Biblehub Commentaries: Matthew
Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: Matthew
Alfords Exegetical Commentary: Matthew
Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible: Matthew
Reformation Study Bible Notes: Matthew
The Biblical Illustrator: Matthew
Precept Austin Commentaries & Sermons: Matthew
Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Letter
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Matthew, Gospel of, Theology of
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Matthew, Gospel Of
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Matthew, Gospel According To
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Matthew, the Gospel According To
Holman Bible Dictionary: Matthew, Gospel of
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Matthew, Gospel of
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Matthew, Gospel of
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Matthew
McClintock and Strong: Matthew, Gospel of
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Matthew, Gospel By
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Matthew, Gospel According To
Assorted articles-mostly theological journals – Matthew
Assorted articles UK – Matthew
Multiple articles from theological journals – Sermon on the Mount
Author
American Tract Society: Matthew
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Matthew
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Matthew
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Matthew
Holman Bible Dictionary: Matthew
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Matthew, the Apostle
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Matthew
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Matthew
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Matthew
McClintock and Strong: Matthew
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Matthew
Matthew means “given; a reward” – Hitchcock’s Bible Names
Herod the Great
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Herod
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Herod the Great
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Herod
Holman Bible Dictionary: Herod
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Herod
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Herodian Family
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Herod the Great; Herod, Family of
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Herod
McClintock and Strong: Herod
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Herod
Pharisees
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Pharisees
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Pharisees
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Pharisees
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Pharisees
Holman Bible Dictionary: Jewish Parties in the New Testament
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Pharisees
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Pharisees
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Pharisees
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Pharisees
McClintock and Strong: Pharisee
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Pharisees
The Jewish Encyclopedia: Pharisees
Sadducees
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Sadducees
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Sadducees
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Sadducees
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Sadducees
Holman Bible Dictionary: Jewish Parties in the New Testament
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Sadducees
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Sadducees
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Sadducees
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Sadducees
McClintock and Strong: Sadducee
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Sadducees
The Jewish Encyclopedia: Sadducees
Scribes
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Scribes
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Scribes
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Scribes
Holman Bible Dictionary: Scribe
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Scribes
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Scribes
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Scribes
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Scribes
McClintock and Strong: Scribes, Jewish
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Scribes, The
The Jewish Encyclopedia: Scribes
John the Baptist
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: John the Baptist
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: John the Baptist
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: John the Baptist
Fausset Bible Dictionary: John the Baptist
Holman Bible Dictionary:
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: John the Baptist
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: John the Baptist
Morrish Bible Dictionary: John the Baptist
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: John the Baptist
McClintock and Strong: John the Baptist
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: John the Baptist
The Jewish Encyclopedia: John the Baptist
Assorted articles-mostly theological journals – John the Baptist
Alfred Edersheim
Sketches of Jewish Social Life
The Temple —Its Ministry and Services
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah
Whyte’s Dictionary of Bible Characters
Articles
Gordon.edu – Matthew – assorted articles-mostly theological journals
Godren.edu – Matthew – Sermon on the Mount – Multiple articles from theological journals
Bible.org: Articles On Matthew
Matthew Allen: The “Kingdom” in Matthew
James M. Arlandson: Are There Contradictions in the Gospels?
James M. Arlandson: Historical Reliability of the Gospels
James M. Arlandson: Archaeology and the Synoptic Gospels: Which way do the rocks roll?
Mark Bailey: The Doctrine of the Kingdom in Matthew 13
Joel Beeke: Matthew 7:22-23 An Appoint you Will Keep
Ron Bigalke: A Comparison of the Olivet Discourse and the Book of Revelation
Darrel L. Bock: Historical Backgrounds to the Gospels and Life of Jesus
John Bunyan: Matthew 7:13-14 The Strait Gate or Great Difficulty of Going to Heaven
Bob Deffinbaugh: The Holy Spirit in the Gospels
Jim Fletcher: Opposing Joshua—The Modern Evangelical War on Israel
W. Hall Harris: Major Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels
John Hart: A Defense of the Rapture in the Olivet Discourse
Greg Herrick: Demonism in Jewish/Hellenistic Literature and Its Relation to Mark
H Wayne House: Differences between 1 Thessalonians 4 and Matthew 24
Walter Kaiser: The Promise of the Arrival of Elijah in Malachi and the Gospels,”
Wil Pounds: The Genealogy of Jesus
Daniel S Steffen: The Messianic Banquet and the Eschatology of Matthew
Peter L Smith: Chronology & Synopsis of the Passion Week
GotQuestions.org
Treat like any commentary: read carefully and thoughtfully.
Gospel of Matthew – Bible Survey
What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ?
Why did God give us four Gospels?
What is the harmony of the Gospels?
When were the Gospels written?
Is there an error in the counting of the generations in Matthew chapter 1?
Why are Jesus’ genealogies in Matthew and Luke so different?
How old was Mary when Jesus was born?
What is the Massacre of the Innocents?
When were Joseph and Mary considered married?
Did Mary have other children? How many children did Mary have?
What prophecy is Matthew 2:23 referring to regarding Jesus being a Nazarene?
Why is the order of Jesus’ calling His disciples different in some of the gospels?
What does it mean to be “fishers of men”?
Who were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ?
Why did Jesus choose Peter, James, and John to be His inner circle?
Who was John the Baptist in the Bible?
Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers?
What was the meaning and importance of the baptism of John the Baptist?
What is the baptism of/by/with fire?
What was the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ temptations?
How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple?
What does it mean that the house of prayer had been turned into a den of thieves?
What is the Sermon on the Mount?
What does ‘blessed are the meek’ mean?
What does ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ mean?
What does ‘blessed are the merciful’ mean?
What does ‘blessed are those who mourn’ mean?
What does it mean that blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?
What does it mean that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake?
What does it mean to be pure in heart?
What does it mean to be poor in spirit?
What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to turn the other cheek?
What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to love our enemies?
What does it mean that believers are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16)?
What did Jesus mean when He described His followers as the salt of the earth?
What does it mean to let your yes be yes and your no be no?
What does it mean that the wise man built his house upon a rock?
What does it mean to be least in the kingdom of heaven?
What is a jot? What is a tittle?
Did Jesus contradict the Law in Matthew 5:21-22?
Why did Jesus warn against saying the word raca in Matthew 5:22?
What does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust?
How can we store up treasures in heaven?
What did Jesus mean when He said the eye is the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22)?
If I do not forgive others, does that mean my sins are not forgiven? What does Matthew 6:14-15 mean?
What does it mean that “where your treasure is there will your heart be also”?
What does it mean that you cannot serve two masters in Matthew 6:24?
Just how narrow is the narrow gate?
What did Jesus mean when He said to “not cast your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6)?
What does it mean that you will know them by their fruit in Matthew 7:16?
What did Jesus mean when He told us to ask, seek, and knock?
What did Jesus mean when He said “Ask and you shall receive”?
Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation?
What did Jesus mean when He said, “I never knew you. Depart from me”?
What does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth?
What does it mean to shake the dust off your feet?
What did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”?
What did Jesus mean by coming to bring a sword in Matthew 10:34-36?
Did John the Baptist lose his faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 11:3; Luke 7:19)?
In what way was John the Baptist the greatest (Matthew 11:11)?
What does it mean that the kingdom of God suffers violence?
What did Jesus mean when He said, “I never knew you. Depart from me”?
What does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth?
What does it mean to shake the dust off your feet?
What did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”?
What did Jesus mean by coming to bring a sword in Matthew 10:34-36?
Did John the Baptist lose his faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 11:3; Luke 7:19)?
In what way was John the Baptist the greatest (Matthew 11:11)?
What does it mean that the kingdom of God suffers violence?
Did Jesus come only for the Jews and not the Gentiles?
What does it mean that a house divided cannot stand?
What does it mean that “a bruised reed He will not break” in Matthew 12:20?
What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20?
What are idle words (Matthew 12:36)?
Who was the Queen of the South?
How many siblings did Jesus have?
What can we learn from the account of Peter walking on water?
Why was John the Baptist beheaded?
Why did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)?
Why did Jesus call the Canaanite woman a dog?
What is the leaven of the Pharisees?
Why did Jesus teach in parables?
Why did Jesus ask the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”
What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who has ears to hear”?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Dragnet?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Leaven?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful Servant?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Rich Fool?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Vineyard?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast?
Who is greatest in the kingdom?
Why would God leave the 99 to find 1?
How should Christians handle disputes (Matthew 18:15-17)?
What is the meaning of “where two or three are gathered” in Matthew 18:20?
What is the outer darkness in Matthew 22:13?
What is the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Two Sons?
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard?
What is the meaning of the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price?
What are the keys of the kingdom?
What did Jesus mean when He said that we should forgive others seventy times seven?
Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the herd of pigs?
Why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler he could be saved by obeying the commandments?
What does it mean to have mustard seed faith?
Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”?
Did Jesus heal two blind men (Matthew 20:29-34) or one blind man (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43)?
Why is Jesus called the stumbling stone in Matthew 21:43-44?
What did Jesus mean when He said the first will be last and the last will be first?
What does “Many are called but few are chosen” in Matthew 22:14 mean?
Why did Jesus say to Peter, “Get behind me Satan”?
What does it mean to strain at a gnat but swallow a camel?
What happened on the Mount of Olives?
What did Jesus mean when He said, “this generation will not pass”?
Is it possible to know when Jesus is coming back?
What does it mean that he who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13)?
What does it mean that heaven and earth will pass away?
Was Jesus’ statement to the disciples in Luke 9:27 (also Matthew 16:28; Mark 9:1) incorrect?
Can faith really move mountains?
What is the greatest commandment?
What does it mean to gain the whole world but lose your soul?
What does it mean to love your neighbor as you love yourself?
What was the meaning and importance of the transfiguration?
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s”?
What trials did Jesus face before His crucifixion?
If Jesus was God, why did He not know when He would return?
If Jesus was God, why did He call God “My God?”
Did Jesus mean that we should never refer to our earthly father as “father” (Matthew 23:9)?
Why did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13–36?
Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15?
Can the elect be deceived (Matthew 24:24)?
What is the significance of the triumphal entry?
Who are the “least of these” in the Bible?
What happened in the upper room?
What did Jesus mean when He said, “This is my body, broken for you”?
What does it mean to watch and pray?
Why does Matthew 27:9 attribute the prophecy to Jeremiah when it is from Zechariah?
What does it mean that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak?
What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword?
What happened during Jesus’ last hours on earth?
What was the reason behind Peter’s denial of Jesus?
What is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times?
Who helped Jesus carry the cross?
What are the last seven sayings of Christ and what do they mean?
Why did Jesus say, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me’?
What is the meaning of those who were raised to life at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:52-53)?
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