Historical Context
Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. As you turn the page from Malachi in the Old Testament to Matthew in the New Testament, over 400 years have passed. Much has happened with the turn of that page…
The empires from the east that had previously ruled over Israel, have fallen. Rome in the west, has risen and Herod (a cruel King) now rules over Israel.
Despite this, the Israelites had found a form of peace with Rome. They worshipped in Synagogues and had established Jewish religious leaders, including Priests, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes. Over these, sat the Sanhedrin. Jews had freedom of worship and some limited authority to run their own affairs. They longed for more, though, and awaited the arrival of the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. They awaited a warrior who would set them free.
Both of the main Jewish religious factions disapprove of Jesus. Pharisees are devoted to the law of Moses and follow and apply it every day. They believe in the supernatural, angels and the resurrection. They canstruggle to accept that Jesus disregarded their rules and claimed to forgive sins. The Sadducees are rationalists, they are sceptical of religion, but believe in the literal interpretation of Moses Law, whilst also refuting the supernatural and the resurrection. For them, Jesus could attract the attention of the Rome and cause problems for the Jewish nation, and is a problem that needs to be removed.
As we shall see, it transpired that both Jewish factions worked together to have Jesus killed. They stirred up crowds and pressured Roman authorities to have Jesus crucified.
In the end, though, this is God’s Plan succeeding – Jesus lived and died as payment for our sins and rose again as the hope for the world.
Introduction to Matthew
Matthew (Levi) was a Jewish tax collector (who would have bene despised as such) who subsequently became a disciple (one of the 12 disciples of Jesus). He wrote the Gospel to his fellow Jews to show that Jesus was the Messiah (as predicted) and to explain God’s Kingdom. Whenever reading the Bible we should remember who the particular book was written to (in this case Matthew to the Jews). Although the Bible is absolutely relevant to us today, it was still written at particular times and in particular contexts. Understanding these will help us to understand the message and also how we can apply it to our lives.
As the first book of the New Testament, Matthew also fulfils the role of the book providing a bridge to the Old Testament, with 53 quotes and 76 other references.
As we start the book, the Jews had been waiting for a King who would free them from their occupiers and rulers… Their sacred books foretold of the coming of the Messiah, the King.
Matthew starts by providing Jesus’ Genealogy. Jesus’ early years are described, and then his Baptism by John and subsequent defeat of Satan in the wilderness. Matthew then describes Jesus’ ministry including his miracles, followed by Jesus’ knowledge of his upcoming death and the events leading up to this. The final three chapters focus on Jesus’ last days on earth; His crucifixion and resurrection are also covered.
This brings us to the closing of the book of Matthew. Jesus has conquered death (by being resurrected), fulfilled the prophecy and returned to God, the Father.
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