Importance - According to the earlier traditions, this Gospel was placed first in the order of the four "Memoirs" for two reasons: It was first in the date of composition. The date of writing is placed by some as early as A.D. 37; present-day scholarship, however, ascertains the date in the vicinity of A.D. 60 to 64. Secondly, this Gospel was regarded as first in importance in early Christian history because the predominant element among the early Christians was Jewish. Early Christian history strongly indicates that Matthew first wrote a "Memoir of the Life and Teachings of Christ" in the Aramaic, or spoken Hebrew of Palestine. Later, then, he wrote his gospel in Greek as handed down to us in ancient manuscripts. The Aramaic edition was probably written as early as A.D. 37; the Greek edition, at a later date, probably about A.D. 60.

Purpose and Need - It is now generally agreed that each of the four writers of the Gospel of Christ wrote to meet a definite need: that each formed a purpose for his "Memoir" under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and selected from the life, ministry, and teachings of the Saviour, the materials which best fitted the need and the purpose in mind. Matthew wrote his Gospel especially for Jewish readers, presenting Jesus as verily the Messiah of Old Testament prophecies. The Greek term "kingdom of heaven" occurs 33 times, and the term "kingdom of God" 4 times, a total of 37 in all. Jesus is called the "Son of David" 9 times, whereas this title is used only 3 times in Mark, 3 times in Luke, and not once in John. Matthew quotes from the Old Testament about 65 times; he makes 35 references to the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies in Christ without quoting specific references.

During the first 15 years after Christ's ascension, converts to Christianity were confined largely to the Jews. Two serious problems prevailed among these Christian Jews: First, they were bitterly persecuted, and needed confirmation in the fundamentals of Christ's redemptive mission and teachings; second, they found it difficult to completely renounce Judaism and its rites and formalisms. To meet these needs, Matthew wrote his Gospel. His Gospel recognizes, however, the truth the Jesus Christ is God's appointed Redeemer for all mankind, and that the saving ministry of God's kingdom is to be extended to all the world.

Outline - For a general, but comprehensive, outline of Matthew's Gospel the following will be helpful: I. Birth and Old Testament Qualifications of the Messiah (1) II. Jesus' Messianic Office Recognized (2) III. Initiation and Preparation for Messianic Work (3:1-4:11) IV. Messianic Ministry to Israel (4:12-16:20) V. Messianic Ministry Leading toward Calvary (16:21-20:34) VI. Israel's Rejection of the Messiah; the Messiah's Rejection of Israel (21-23) VII. The Messiah's Predictions to His Followers (24-25) VIII. Death, Triumph, and Commission (26-28)