The Book of Matthew

A Little about Matthew the man...

• Named Levi, was called Matthew after Jesus called him as a disciple
• Matthew was most likely a Levite
• Levi was a tax collector. Tax collectors were knows for being greedy and corrupt. And the fact that Levi was a Jew, showed that he was likely a "Jew gone bad". Thus showing that the redemptive power of Jesus is for anyone!!
• Matthew had a brother James the Zealot*. The two would be been complete opposites! Jesus called them both into ministry with him...ahhhhh, a little family restoration!

A Little about Matthew the book...

• Written around 65-70 AD
• Target Audience was Jews
• Because Jesus did not come as the Jews had expected, Matthew focused on showing how Jesus was indeed the Messiah based on the Old Testament. He showed how Jesus came to fulfill the Law, not to destroy it.
• Because of the intended Jewish audience, Matthew uses the most Old Testament references.
• Called the "Teaching Gospel" because of the focus on Jesus' teachings.

*Zealot - People who were strongly opposed to the Roman government, and sought to overthrow it by use of force if necessary.