GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

   In a Nutshell

Author: Matthew (Levi)--Hebrew
Theme: Jesus is the Promised Messiah (King)
Place of Writing: Antioch in Syria (?)
Date of Writing: A.D. 55
Key Word: Fulfilled.
Key Verse:
   1:1
   "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of
   Abraham."

  1. Authorship.   The authorship of the gospel of Matthew, as with the other three
    gospels, is not internally claimed.
    However, the internal content of the book are in
    harmony with the supposed author.   Tradition assigns the authorship of the
    first gospel to Matthew, the apostle.
    1. Internal evidence supporting Matthew's authorship.
      1. It is a very orderly and methodical presentation of the life of Christ.
        This would agree with what we know of Matthew's past, a tax-collector.
      2. The book of Matthew records the dealings of Judas with the
        Sanhedrin in more detail than any other gospel.   In addition
        Matthew alone records the bribing of the Roman guard at the tomb.
        Again, this would harmonize with someone who knew the inner workings
        and corruption of the Jewish polictical system of the first
        century.
    2. External evidence supporting Matthew's authorship.

      1. Twenty-one...
      2. Pathius...
      3. [...]
      4. His...
      5. His...
      6. [...] the
        inspiration of the Word of God.
    1. Characteristics of Matthew, the publican.   ...
      1. He was...
      2. His name...
      3. He was a ...
        1. He was...