NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible | Page 103
1696 | INTRODUCTION TO Matthew
Aerial view of Capernaum, along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum and was
met there and called by Jesus (Matt 9:9).
© Duby Tal/Albatross/Alamy
Matthew’s depiction of Jesus focuses on his roles as Teacher (especially with Matthew’s five main
sermons; see Outline, this page) and Son of David (the Messianic king from David’s lineage who
would rule Israel). In common with the other Gospels, Matthew portrays Jesus as preferring the
title “Son of Man” for himself, alluding to the exalted human who is ushered into God’s presence to
receive universal authority over the peoples of the earth (Dan 7:13 – 14). He is also the “Son of God,” a
title that in Jewish circles could mean merely Messiah, but which, especially in Matthew, came more
and more to have overtones of divinity (e.g., 14:33; 16:16). The most significant title for Jesus in Mat-
thew is probably “Lord” — Jesus as both Master and God (e.g., 8:2,6,25; 9:28). Somewhat distinctive to
Matthew, though less common, are Jesus as “wisdom” (e.g., 11:19) and “Immanuel” (that is, “God with
us”; 1:23; see 28:20).
Matthew further highlights discipleship and often discloses a little more understanding on the
part of the Twelve than does Mark (cf. 14:33 with Mark 6:52). Only Matthew uses the word “church”
among the four Gospels (16:18; 18:17), with teaching about its foundation and its discipline. Matthew
calls more attention to Peter, although the distinctive passages in which he appears include both
positive and negative traits (14:28 – 31; 15:15; 16:18 – 19; 17:24 – 27; 18:21), so it is clear that Matthew is not
trying to overly exalt Peter as some in the history of the church have done.
OUTLINE
I. Introduction to Jesus’ Ministry (1:1 — 4:17)
A. Jesus’ Birth Narrative (1:1 — 2:23)
B. Other Introductory Events in Jesus’ Ministry (3:1 — 4:17)
II. The Major Phase of Jesus’ Public Ministry (4:18 — 16:20)
A. Introduction to the Galilean Ministry (4:18 – 25)
B. Jesus’ Authoritative Teaching: The Sermon on the Mount (5:1 — 7:29)
C. Jesus’ Authoritative Miracle-Working Ministry (8:1 — 9:34)
D. Missionary Discourse (9:35 — 10:42)