New Testament · Gospel

The Book of Matthew

Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and King.

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Son of David, fulfilling Old Testament Scripture and inaugurating God's kingdom.

Author and background of Matthew

Author

Matthew (Levi)

Date written

c. AD 50-70

Original audience

Jewish Christians.

First-century Judea under Rome.

Major themes of Matthew

The theology of Matthew centers on god's character and glory and sin, grace, and redemption. Trace these threads as you read.

God's character and glory

Every page reveals more of who God is — His holiness, mercy, and steadfast love.

Sin, grace, and redemption

Scripture diagnoses our brokenness honestly and points us to the rescue God provides.

Covenant and promise

God binds Himself to His people in faithful, unbreakable promises fulfilled in Christ.

Worship and obedience

Faith expresses itself in a life of worship, repentance, and joyful obedience.

Key characters in Matthew

Jesus

Messiah-King.

Peter

Leading apostle.

John the Baptist

Forerunner.

Every chapter of Matthew explained

Verse-by-verse explanations and reflections for every chapter of Matthew — ideal for personal study, devotionals, and small group discussion.

Key verses from Matthew

"He will save his people from their sins."
Matthew 1:21
Read Matthew 1:21 in context
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."
Matthew 28:18-20
Read Matthew 28:18-20 in context

How to apply Matthew today

Matthew is not just history — it is God's Word for your life this week. Try these practical steps:

  • Read prayerfully, asking the Spirit to teach and convict you.
  • Identify one truth about God and one truth about yourself in every chapter.
  • Look for Christ — every book testifies of Him (Luke 24:27).
  • Turn what you read into prayer and obedience this week.

Pray Matthew back to God

  • Father, open my eyes to behold wondrous things in Your Word (Ps. 119:18).
  • Lord, give me a soft heart that trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2).
  • Spirit of God, conform me to Christ as I read.
  • Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22).

Study Matthew more deeply

Explore themes, characters, historical context, application guides, and devotionals built for Matthew.

Keep going · Amazon picks

Go deeper into Matthew on Amazon

Hand-picked search shortcuts to trusted commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals on Matthew. Purchases through these links support this ministry at no extra cost to you.

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  • Matthew — R.T. France (NICNT)

    Gold-standard commentary on Matthew.

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  • The King and His Kingdom — study guide

    Small-group study guide through Matthew.

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  • Bible study journal

    A journal for notes, prayer, and reflection as you work through this content.

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Matthew — frequently asked questions

+Who wrote the book of Matthew?

Matthew (Levi) — written around c. AD 50-70.

+What is the main message of Matthew?

Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and King.

+How many chapters are in Matthew?

Matthew has 28 chapters.

+Who was Matthew written to?

Jewish Christians.

+What are the key themes of Matthew?

God's character and glory; Sin, grace, and redemption; Covenant and promise; Worship and obedience.