What is Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as Messiah, teacher and Son of Man within Israel’s story. An opening genealogy and infancy narrative lead into kingdom proclamation, healing, parables and five major teaching blocks. Conflict intensifies in Jerusalem before crucifixion, resurrection and a commission extending discipleship to all nations.
A five-part reading map
- Matthew 1–4 — origins and preparation: genealogy, birth, visitors, flight, John’s preaching, baptism, testing and first disciples.
- Matthew 5–10 — kingdom life and mission: Sermon on the Mount, healings, authority and instructions to the Twelve.
- Matthew 11–18 — responses and community: questions about Jesus, parables, feedings, Peter’s confession, transfiguration and teaching on communal relationships.
- Matthew 19–25 — journey and Jerusalem teaching: costly discipleship, entry into the city, temple controversies and sustained discourse about watchfulness.
- Matthew 26–28 — passion and resurrection: final meal, Gethsemane, trials, crucifixion, burial, empty tomb and final commission.
Sample questions and answers
Track how teaching and action interpret one another; Matthew often groups material thematically and repeatedly connects Jesus’ story with Israel’s Scriptures.
In which town was Jesus born?
Reference: Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4–7
Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of Herod.
Who baptised Jesus in the Jordan River?
Reference: Matthew 3:13–17
John the Baptist baptised Jesus, after which the Spirit descended like a dove.
Who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver?
Reference: Matthew 26:14–16
Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver.
How many times did Peter deny knowing Jesus?
Reference: Matthew 26:34, 69–75
Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.
What occupation did Peter and Andrew have when Jesus called them?
Reference: Matthew 4:18–20
Peter and Andrew were casting a net because they were fishermen.
What occupation or trade is traditionally associated with Joseph, the husband of Mary?
Reference: Matthew 13:55
Matthew uses the Greek term tekton, traditionally translated “carpenter” and also understood more broadly as a builder or craftsman.
Where did Jesus deliver the Beatitudes in Matthew?
Reference: Matthew 5:1–12
Matthew introduces the teaching with Jesus going up on a mountain.
How long did Jesus fast in the wilderness?
Reference: Matthew 4:1–2
Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights before being tempted.
Which prayer begins with “Our Father in heaven”?
Reference: Matthew 6:9–13
Jesus taught His disciples the model prayer commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.
Who appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration?
Reference: Matthew 17:1–8
Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus.
In which garden did Jesus pray before His arrest?
Reference: Matthew 26:36–46
Jesus prayed in Gethsemane before being arrested.
What animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem?
Reference: Matthew 21:1–11
Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
What mission did Jesus give His disciples at the end of Matthew?
Reference: Matthew 28:18–20
Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations.
Who provided the tomb in which Jesus was buried?
Reference: Matthew 27:57–60
Joseph of Arimathea placed Jesus in his own new tomb.
Which Roman governor authorised Jesus’ crucifixion?
Reference: Matthew 27:24–26
Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.
How to study Matthew
Outline the five major discourses and note the narrative sections around each. Create a fulfilment table recording the earlier text Matthew cites, its original context and the Gospel’s use. Compare repeated mountain, kingdom, righteousness and “little faith” language. When using a Synoptic parallel, first identify Matthew’s distinctive wording and placement rather than blending the accounts into one composite story.
Context and interpretation note
Matthew emerged from first-century Jewish and early Christian contexts and must not be read as permission for anti-Jewish prejudice. “Fulfilment,” kingdom language, church discipline, divorce, final judgment and the passion narrative require careful historical and pastoral interpretation. Manuscripts and translations differ in some wording. The quiz tests Matthew’s stated sequence, speakers and teachings while distinguishing them from harmonised details imported from other Gospels.