The Unique Gospel of Matthew

What makes the Gospel of Matthew different from the other Gospels? Jeff delves into the unique aspects of the Gospel of Matthew, kicking off a series of four episodes dedicated to understanding its distinctiveness in the liturgical cycle A.

Scripture Verses

Psalm 1:1–3

Recommended for understanding meditation on the Word of God and its fruitfulness.

James 1:23–24

Referenced as Scripture describing the Word of God as a mirror revealing who we truly are.

Matthew 24

Cited in reference to Jesus foretelling the destruction of the Temple.

Mark 2

Referenced as one of the passages describing the call of Matthew (Levi).

Luke 5

Referenced alongside Mark 2 regarding Matthew’s call as a tax collector.

Acts 1:13

Mentioned as the final appearance of Matthew in the New Testament, present in the Upper Room with Mary and the apostles.

Key Takeaways 

Matthew’s Audience

• Written primarily for a Jewish audience
• Assumes familiarity with Jewish customs, the Torah, and salvation history
• Focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises

Central Theme

Jesus the King and His Kingdom

Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s hopes and the new Moses

Scripture in Catholic Life

Scripture is meant to be:

1. Studied (thinking)
2. Meditated on (heart transformation)
3. Lived (put into practice)

Catechism references: CCC 101–119 on Revelation and Sacred Scripture

Dating of Matthew’s Gospel

• Likely written before 70 AD
• Matthew 24’s prophecy of the Temple’s destruction supports an earlier date
• Supported by the Pontifical Biblical Commission (1911)

Authorship

• Early Church unanimously affirms Matthew the Apostle (Levi) as author
• A tax collector turned disciple and apostle

The Five-Book Structure of Matthew

• Matthew mirrors the five books of the Torah
• Each section follows a Narrative → Discourse pattern

Introduction – Matthew 1–2 (Genealogy & Birth of Jesus)

Book One

• Narrative: Matthew 3–4
• Discourse: Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount)

Book Two

• Narrative: Matthew 8–9
• Discourse: Matthew 10 (Missionary Discourse)

Book Three

• Narrative: Matthew 11–12
• Discourse: Matthew 13 (Parables of the Kingdom)

Book Four

• Narrative: Matthew 14–17
• Discourse: Matthew 18 (Life in the Church)

Book Five

• Narrative: Matthew 19–23
• Discourse: Matthew 24–25 (Olivet Discourse)

Conclusion: Passion, Death, and Resurrection

Teaching Method

Matthew often:

• Describes events (narrative)
• Reflects on their meaning (teaching)
• Connects them to Old Testament prophecy (“formula quotations”)

Resources Mentioned

• Matthew: The King and His Kingdom — Great Adventure Bible Study