The Book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and one of the four Gospels. It presents the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written with a focus on showing Jesus as the promised Messiah, Matthew’s Gospel is full of Old Testament connections.
1. Matthew Was a Tax Collector
The author, Matthew (also called Levi), was once a tax collector before following Jesus. Tax collectors were disliked in Jewish society, but Jesus called Matthew to be His disciple.
“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”
Matthew 9:9
2. It Was Written for a Jewish Audience
Matthew often quoted the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. He wanted to convince the Jewish people that Jesus was the Messiah.
“This took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
Matthew 1:22-23
3. It Contains the Sermon on the Mount
One of the most famous teachings of Jesus is recorded in Matthew chapters 5–7, including the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3
4. Matthew Emphasizes Jesus as King
The Gospel begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus back to King David and Abraham. This highlights His royal and covenantal line.
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Matthew 1:1
5. The Great Commission Is Found in Matthew
At the end of the book, Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, a mission that continues for Christians today.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19
6. It Includes More Parables Than Any Other Gospel
Matthew records over 20 parables, such as the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Weeds, and the Parable of the Ten Virgins.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
Matthew 13:44
7. The Only Gospel to Mention the Magi
Matthew alone records the visit of the wise men who came from the east to worship the newborn King.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.”
Matthew 2:1
8. It Highlights Peter’s Role
Matthew gives special attention to Peter, including his confession of Jesus as the Christ and his attempt to walk on water.
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’”
Matthew 14:30
9. Matthew Stresses Forgiveness
In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches about forgiving others, including the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Matthew 18:21-22
10. It Ends with a Promise of Christ’s Presence
The final words of Matthew remind believers that Jesus is always with them, offering comfort and strength.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
