Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and is renowned for its detailed portrayal of Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies and his role as the Messiah. It offers a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry, emphasizing his authority and the ethical standards he established for his followers. It was written by the Apostle Matthew.

Matthew begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage to David, underscoring his rightful claim to the throne and his role as the promised Messiah. This lineage is presented as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, affirming Jesus' legitimate status as the anticipated Redeemer and King.

A significant portion of Matthew's Gospel is the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which contains Jesus’ moral and ethical teachings. This discourse outlines the high standards expected of his followers and presents a vision of righteous living that reflects the transformative power of his teachings. The ethical instructions provided here are central to understanding the practical application of Jesus' message.

Furthermore, Matthew portrays Jesus as both an authoritative teacher and judge. The Gospel highlights his role in the final judgment, affirming his divine authority and the certainty of divine justice. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where Jesus instructs his followers to make disciples of all nations, underscores the importance of spreading his teachings and evangelizing on a global scale.

The gospel may have influenced extracanonical books such as the Didache, the Shepherd of Hermas and the Gospel of Thomas.