INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW
CHRIST THE FULFILMENT OF SCRIPTURE AND LORD OF THE CHURCH
Relevance of the Introduction
Among the four Gospels, Matthew offers a distinctive portrait of Jesus as the promised Messiah of Israel and the authoritative Lord of the Church. His Gospel stands firmly rooted in the Old Testament while addressing a Christian community living amid religious tension, cultural transition, and political uncertainty.
An introduction to Matthew that considers the author, purpose, audience, historical background, literary structure, and theological emphasis enables us to read this Gospel with greater depth. It helps us see why Matthew presents Jesus as both fulfilment of Israel’s Scriptures and living Lord of the Church. In doing so, it guides today’s disciples to remain faithful to Christ’s kingship while navigating divided loyalties and competing worldviews.
Matthew, the Author
Matthew is traditionally identified with Levi, the tax collector whom Jesus called while he was seated at the customs post in Capernaum. Regarded as a public sinner and collaborator with Roman authority, he experienced a radical conversion through Jesus’ call. His transformation from tax collector to apostle reveals the power of divine mercy to re-create a life and reorient it toward the Kingdom of God.
Matthew’s former profession required literacy, numerical precision, and record-keeping skills, all of which are reflected in the careful organization and structure of his Gospel. Like the other evangelists, Matthew does not name himself in the text, for his purpose is to direct attention entirely to Christ. However, early and consistent Church tradition attributes this Gospel to him and associates it with Jewish-Christian communities.
Ancient testimony also suggests that Matthew first composed material for Jewish Christians, which explains the Gospel’s deep engagement with the Law, the Prophets, and Israel’s Scriptures. The one who once “collected taxes” now gathers and orders the words and deeds of Jesus to form, instruct, and correct the Church.
Purpose of Matthew
Matthew writes above all to show that Jesus of Nazareth is the long-awaited Messiah in whom God’s promises to Israel reach their fulfilment. He frequently uses fulfilment formulas such as, “This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet,” teaching his readers to read the Old Testament in the light of Christ and to recognize the unity of God’s saving plan.
A second purpose is ecclesial and catechetical. Matthew shapes his Gospel to form Christian communities in faith, morality, and discipline. He gathers Jesus’ teachings into major discourses so that believers may learn how to live as disciples under the authority of the risen Lord.
Matthew also seeks to strengthen Christians who face rejection, conflict, or persecution. By showing that Jesus Himself foretold suffering, opposition, and even the destruction of the Temple, he reassures his audience that fidelity amid trials is part of authentic discipleship and leads to ultimate vindication.
The Audience of Matthew
Matthew addresses primarily a community of Jewish Christians living in close proximity to synagogue Judaism. His frequent references to the Law, the Prophets, righteousness, and Scriptural fulfilment indicate readers deeply formed by Israel’s religious tradition. At the same time, tensions with synagogue authorities suggest a community experiencing exclusion or marginalization because of its confession of Jesus as Messiah.
Yet Matthew’s horizon is not limited to Jewish believers. From the genealogy that includes Gentiles, to the Magi at Jesus’ birth, and finally to the command to make disciples of all nations, Matthew reflects an expanding universal mission. His audience is therefore a mixed community, learning how to remain faithful to Israel’s heritage while embracing God’s plan to gather all peoples into one Church.
Religious and Political Background
Matthew’s Gospel is commonly situated after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD. This traumatic event forced Judaism to reorganize around rabbinic authority and sharpened debates about the true heirs of Israel’s faith. In this climate, followers of Jesus were often viewed with suspicion or hostility and sometimes expelled from synagogue life.
Politically, the Roman Empire dominated daily existence, and memories of violent conflict remained vivid. Christians thus lived under the shadow of imperial power while also facing religious opposition. Matthew responds by showing that Jesus had already foretold such upheavals and had promised His abiding presence. He presents the Church as the community authorized by Christ to teach, forgive, and govern in His name amid instability.
Specialties of Matthew’s Gospel
Gospel of Fulfilment
Matthew consistently presents Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Jesus is shown as the new David, rightful King of Israel; the new Moses, authoritative teacher of God’s law; and Emmanuel, “God with us,” whose presence remains with His people. Matthew teaches that God’s promises are not abandoned but brought to completion in Christ.
Catechetical Structure in Five Discourses
Matthew arranges Jesus’ teaching into five major discourses, possibly echoing the five books of Moses and presenting Jesus as the definitive lawgiver. These discourses address holiness, mission, the mystery of the Kingdom, community life, and readiness for the Lord’s return, forming a comprehensive catechesis for the Church.
Emphasis on the Church and Community Life
Matthew uniquely uses the term “Church” and highlights authority, discipline, forgiveness, and responsibility within the community. He presents the Church not as a loose gathering of individuals but as an ordered body living under Christ’s authority.
Interior Righteousness
True righteousness in Matthew goes beyond external observance to the transformation of the heart. Jesus fulfills the Law by revealing its deepest intention: love, mercy, purity of heart, reconciliation, and trust in the Father. The Sermon on the Mount stands as the charter of this interior righteousness.
Strong Christology with Practical Ethic
Matthew unites a high vision of Christ with a concrete moral call. Jesus is Lord, Judge, and Son of God, yet discipleship is measured by obedience to the Father’s will. Faith, worship, and ethical living form an inseparable unity.
Traditional Symbol of Matthew and Its Meaning
Early Christian tradition represents Matthew with the symbol of a winged man or angel. This reflects his emphasis on the humanity of Christ, beginning with the genealogy and infancy narratives. Jesus is fully human, rooted in history, family, and promise.
The wings signify divine origin and mission, reminding readers that this human story reveals God’s eternal plan. Matthew’s Gospel thus proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation: God enters human history to elevate it, calling believers to live ordinary lives transformed by grace.
Overview of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew’s Gospel unfolds as a journey from promise to fulfilment and from Israel to all nations. Its structure serves catechetical formation and pastoral guidance for the Church.
Origins and Infancy (Chapters 1–2)
Jesus is presented as Son of Abraham and Son of David, conceived by the Holy Spirit, Emmanuel with His people. The Magi, flight into Egypt, and return to Nazareth reveal fulfilment of prophecy and the inclusion of the Gentiles.
Preparation for Ministry (Chapters 3–4)
John the Baptist prepares the way. Jesus is baptized, tempted, and revealed as the faithful Son who begins His ministry in Galilee.
Proclamation of the Kingdom (Chapters 5–9)
The Sermon on the Mount presents the law of the Kingdom. Miracles reveal Jesus’ authority over sickness, nature, demons, and sin.
Mission and Opposition (Chapters 10–12)
The Twelve are sent out. Jesus faces mixed responses, from faith to hostility, especially from religious leaders.
Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)
Parables reveal the hidden, patient growth of the Kingdom and its ultimate value and judgment.
Formation of the Disciples (Chapters 14–18)
Jesus reveals His identity, predicts His Passion, is transfigured, and teaches about humility, forgiveness, and community life.
Journey to Jerusalem (Chapters 19–23)
Teachings on discipleship are followed by conflict in Jerusalem, denunciation of hypocrisy, and lament over the city.
Eschatological Teaching (Chapters 24–25)
Jesus speaks of the end times, vigilance, judgment, and the decisive importance of love in action.
Passion, Resurrection, and Mission (Chapters 26–28)
Jesus suffers, dies, and rises. The Gospel concludes with the Great Commission, as the risen Lord sends His disciples to all nations with the promise of His abiding presence.
Through this Gospel, Matthew proclaims Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of Scripture, the incarnate Son of God, the authoritative teacher and judge, and Emmanuel who remains with His Church until the end of the age.
