Commentary on Matthew
Comprehensive analysis and insights from the Authorized King James Version (KJV)
Introduction to Matthew
Matthew is a narrative book in the New Testament that recounts key historical events and developments in Israel's history. The book contains important stories, characters, and events that contribute to the broader biblical narrative and redemptive history.
As with other biblical narratives, Matthew combines historical reporting with theological interpretation, showing how God works through historical circumstances and human actions to accomplish His purposes. The narrative demonstrates divine providence, human responsibility, and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
Throughout Matthew, readers can observe God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failings and opposition. The book's events establish important precedents and patterns that inform biblical theology and provide context for understanding later Scriptural developments.
Historical Context
Matthew was written for Jewish Christians, likely in the 80s CE after Jerusalem's destruction. The gospel addresses questions about Jesus' relationship to Jewish law, prophecy, and institutions while explaining the church's mission to Gentiles.
Post-70 CE Context
Jerusalem's destruction forced redefinition of Judaism and Jewish Christianity. Matthew demonstrates Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy while explaining why the church, not the temple, represents God's continuing presence among His people.
Literary Features
Matthew employs narrative techniques characteristic of biblical historiography. The book uses plot development, characterization, dialogue, and setting to convey both historical events and theological meaning. Narratives in Matthew are carefully structured to highlight divine providence and human response.
Structure
The narrative structure of Matthew involves a clear progression with rising and falling action, climactic moments, and resolution. The author selectively includes details that advance the theological purpose while maintaining historical accuracy.
Literary Devices
Common literary devices in Matthew include:
- Repetition - Key phrases and motifs recur to emphasize important themes
- Type-scenes - Conventional scenarios (e.g., encounters at wells, divine calls) that evoke specific expectations
- Inclusio - Framing sections with similar language to create literary units
- Chiasm - Mirror-image structures that highlight central elements
These narrative techniques guide the reader's interpretation and highlight theological significance within historical events.
Key Passages in Matthew
Matthew 1:1
Opening statement establishing key themes
Matthew 7:1
Important development in the book's message
Matthew 14:1
Central teaching or turning point
Matthew 21:1
Application of key principles
Matthew 28:1
Concluding summary or final exhortation
Book Outline
Introduction and Background (1-7)
- Chapter 1 ( Matthew 1 Matthew 1: Chapter 1 )
- Chapter 2 ( Matthew 2 Matthew 2: Chapter 2 )
- Chapter 3 ( Matthew 3 Matthew 3: Chapter 3 )
- Chapter 4 ( Matthew 4 Matthew 4: Chapter 4 )
Main Section 1 (8-14)
- Chapter 8 ( Matthew 8 Matthew 8: Chapter 8 )
- Chapter 9 ( Matthew 9 Matthew 9: Chapter 9 )
- Chapter 10 ( Matthew 10 Matthew 10: Chapter 10 )
- Chapter 11 ( Matthew 11 Matthew 11: Chapter 11 )
Main Section 2 (15-21)
- Chapter 15 ( Matthew 15 Matthew 15: Chapter 15 )
- Chapter 16 ( Matthew 16 Matthew 16: Chapter 16 )
- Chapter 17 ( Matthew 17 Matthew 17: Chapter 17 )
- Chapter 18 ( Matthew 18 Matthew 18: Chapter 18 )
Conclusion and Final Exhortations (22-28)
- Chapter 22 ( Matthew 22 Matthew 22: Chapter 22 )
- Chapter 23 ( Matthew 23 Matthew 23: Chapter 23 )
- Chapter 24 ( Matthew 24 Matthew 24: Chapter 24 )
- Chapter 25 ( Matthew 25 Matthew 25: Chapter 25 )
Major Themes
The book develops several significant theological themes:
Christology
Jesus is presented in various aspects of His identity and work—Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah, Savior, and Lord. These titles and roles reveal Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and His mission of redemption.
Kingdom of God
Jesus' proclamation and demonstration of God's reign reveals both its present reality and future consummation. The kingdom manifests in Jesus' teaching, miracles, exorcisms, and community formation.
Discipleship
Following Jesus involves more than intellectual assent, requiring transformed values, priorities, and relationships. True disciples demonstrate faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice.
Fulfillment
Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, patterns, and promises, demonstrating continuity in God's redemptive plan. This fulfillment confirms Jesus' messianic identity and mission.
Theological Significance
Matthew contributes significantly to biblical theology in several areas:
Christology
The book develops understanding of Jesus Christ's person and work, exploring aspects of His identity, mission, and continuing significance. These christological insights inform Christian faith and practice.
Soteriology
The book articulates aspects of salvation accomplished through Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. This soteriological teaching addresses the full scope of redemption—past, present, and future.
Ecclesiology
Through both instruction and example, Matthew shapes understanding of the church's nature, purpose, and practices. These ecclesiological insights guide Christian community life and mission.
Eschatology
The book contributes to biblical teaching about last things, including Christ's return, resurrection, judgment, and the new creation. This eschatological perspective provides hope and shapes present Christian living.
Cross References to Other Books
- Psalm 110:1-7 Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT - Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT
- Isaiah 53:1-12 Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ - Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ
- Daniel 7:13-14 Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion - Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion
- Joel 2:28-32 Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring - Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring
- Malachi 3:1 Prophecy of messenger preparing the way - Prophecy of messenger preparing the way
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 2:2 [Text of Matthew 2:2] - Key teaching in verse 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 4:4 [Text of Matthew 4:4] - Key teaching in verse 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 6:6 [Text of Matthew 6:6] - Key teaching in verse 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 8:8 [Text of Matthew 8:8] - Key teaching in verse 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 10:10 [Text of Matthew 10:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 12:10 [Text of Matthew 12:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 14:10 [Text of Matthew 14:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 16:10 [Text of Matthew 16:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 18
Chapter 18 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 18:10 [Text of Matthew 18:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 20:10 [Text of Matthew 20:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 22
Chapter 22 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 22:1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 22:10 [Text of Matthew 22:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 23
Chapter 23 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 24
Chapter 24 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 24:10 [Text of Matthew 24:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 25
Chapter 25 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 26
Chapter 26 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 26:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 26:10 [Text of Matthew 26:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 27
Chapter 27 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 28
Chapter 28 of Matthew continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Matthew 28:10 [Text of Matthew 28:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Contemporary Application
This book provides valuable insights for contemporary application:
Christlike Character
The book's portrayal of Jesus and teaching about Him provides the pattern for Christian character and conduct. This Christlikeness manifests in relationships, attitudes, speech, and actions. The transformative power of the gospel enables believers to grow in resembling Christ.
Church Life and Mission
Principles for healthy church community address worship, leadership, conflict resolution, and mutual edification. These guidelines help contemporary churches maintain biblical faithfulness while addressing current challenges. They also inform the church's missional engagement with surrounding culture.
Spiritual Warfare
The book acknowledges the reality of spiritual conflict and provides resources for overcoming evil. This perspective balances awareness of spiritual opposition with confidence in Christ's victory. It helps believers recognize and resist temptation while avoiding both naive dismissal and unhealthy obsession with demonic activity.
Eschatological Hope
The anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises provides perspective for current circumstances. This hope sustains believers through suffering and shapes priorities and decisions. It balances engagement with present responsibilities and anticipation of future glory.