Matthew — The Gospel of the Messiah, King, and Redeemer
- Elisabeth H. Drew
- Nov 14, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Jan 8
Matthew opens the New Testament by declaring that God’s promise, spoken through the prophets for centuries, has now been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This book bridges the Old and New Testaments, revealing that everything written before pointed toward the coming of the Messiah. Matthew reveals Jesus as King, Teacher, Savior, and God-with-us, the One who fulfills the law, the prophets, and the covenant.
In this post, Matthew — The Gospel of the Messiah, King, and Redeemer, you will discover the story itself, the theological meaning behind its events, the historical, archaeological, genealogical, and geographical foundations that confirm its authenticity, and the daily applications that guide believers today.
This article is the continuation of a full series covering all sixty-six books of the Bible. Each upcoming post will explore the story, theology, historical and archaeological evidence, genealogical and geographical context, and practical Christian applications of every book of Scripture—helping readers build a strong, well-rooted understanding of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, and showing how every book ultimately points to Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Who Was Matthew?
Matthew, also called Levi, was a former tax collector — a profession despised in Jewish society because tax collectors worked for Rome and were often associated with corruption. Jesus called him directly from his tax booth to become one of His disciples. Matthew’s background gives him a unique perspective: he understood Jewish law, Roman authority, financial systems, and the cultural tension of his time.
His Gospel reflects a deep understanding of the Old Testament, showing clearly how Jesus fulfills ancient prophecy and kingdom expectations.
Matthew 9:9 As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.
Historical Evidence for Matthew’s Existence
There is strong historical support for Matthew as a real historical figure. Early Christian writings from the first and second centuries consistently affirm that Matthew was one of the Twelve Apostles and the author of the Gospel attributed to him. Early church fathers — including Papias (around AD 120), Irenaeus (around AD 180), Origen (around AD 200), and Eusebius (around AD 300) — all identify Matthew as both a companion of Jesus and a foundational teacher in the early Church.
These testimonies matter because they come from leaders who lived close to the time of the apostles, preserving direct oral traditions from the first generation of Christians. Ancient manuscripts of the Gospel also consistently bear Matthew’s name in their titles, showing that early Christians unanimously recognized him as the author.
While we do not have physical artifacts with Matthew’s name, the combination of apostolic testimony, early manuscripts, universal early church agreement, and the Gospel’s Jewish perspective provides strong historical confirmation that Matthew was a real person, a real apostle, and the genuine author of the Gospel that bears his name.
The Story of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew begins by establishing Jesus’ identity through a genealogy that traces His lineage back to Abraham and King David. This confirms His rightful place as the promised Messiah and King of Israel according to Scripture.
Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Matthew highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus’ miraculous birth — the virgin birth, divine identity as Immanuel, and the worship of the Magi who recognize Him as King.
The Gospel follows Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing His teachings, miracles, and compassion. Matthew presents Jesus as the new and greater Moses, giving the true interpretation of God’s law in the Sermon on the Mount. Through parables and direct teaching, Jesus explains the nature of the kingdom of heaven — a central theme in Matthew’s Gospel.
Matthew reveals Jesus’ authority over sickness, storms, demons, and even death, showing that He is not merely a human teacher but the divine Messiah who brings redemption. The narrative leads to His crucifixion, where He gives His life for the salvation of humanity, and ultimately to His resurrection, confirming Him as the Redeemer who conquers sin and death.
Matthew 28:6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said.
Theology of Matthew
Matthew’s Gospel is rich with theological meaning, revealing Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecy and completes God’s redemptive plan. Matthew constantly connects Jesus’ life to earlier Scripture — not as isolated moments, but as part of a continuous thread that demonstrates God’s faithfulness across generations. More than any other Gospel, Matthew shows that Jesus is the long-awaited fulfillment of the covenants given to Abraham, David, and Israel.
Jesus fulfills the law and the prophets — not by setting them aside, but by revealing their true purpose and bringing them to completion. He embodies everything the law pointed toward: holiness, righteousness, sacrifice, justice, mercy, and perfect obedience to the Father.
Matthew 5:17 Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Matthew emphasizes several core theological truths:
• Jesus as the promised Messiah — fulfilling specific prophecies about His birth, lineage, mission, and identity
• Jesus as the divine King — establishing God’s reign and revealing the true nature of the kingdom of heaven
• Jesus as Emmanuel — God with us — the presence of God dwelling among His people
• Jesus as the authoritative Teacher — revealing the heart of God’s law in the Sermon on the Mount• Jesus as the Redeemer — offering His life for the salvation of the world
• Jesus as the risen Lord — confirming His divine identity through the resurrection
These truths invite believers to understand Jesus not merely as a historical rabbi, prophet, or moral example, but as God incarnate — the One who brings redemption, restoration, and hope. Matthew presents Jesus as the center of Scripture, the fulfillment of the covenants, and the King whose kingdom transforms everything it touches.
This theological focus climaxes with the Great Commission — the mission entrusted to every Christian and every generation. The risen Christ sends His disciples into the world with authority, purpose, and a divine calling to proclaim the Gospel.
Matthew 28:19 Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s final promise becomes the foundation of Christian endurance and hope:
Matthew 28:20 Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew’s theology assures believers that the King who commands them is also the King who walks with them. His authority is not distant or abstract; it is the living authority of Emmanuel — God with us. Jesus does not merely give instructions from heaven; He enters human history, walks among His people, teaches them, heals them, forgives them, and ultimately gives His life for them. He is the King who leads by drawing near, not by standing far away.
Matthew shows that Jesus’ presence is the source of strength for the Church. His authority guides believers in truth, His compassion shapes their character, and His power sustains them in trials. Every command He gives is paired with a promise of His nearness. This means Christians do not obey in their own strength — they follow a Savior who empowers, comforts, convicts, and transforms.
Matthew ends by reminding believers that Christ’s presence is not temporary. The One who rose from the dead now reigns as the eternal King, and His commitment to His people cannot be broken. He walks with His Church until the end of the age — through persecution, spiritual warfare, suffering, mission, and every generation that carries the Gospel forward.
This final assurance becomes the anchor of Christian hope:
Matthew 28:20 Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Historical, Archaeological, Geographical, and Genealogical Foundations
The books of the Bible are not isolated spiritual writings; each one is rooted in real places, real people, and real events. Throughout Scripture, historical records, archaeological discoveries, geographical accuracy, cultural details, and genealogical traces consistently confirm the reliability of the biblical narrative. From ancient inscriptions to excavated cities, from historical rulers to preserved customs, every book of the Bible carries evidence that anchors it in authentic human history.
The same is true for the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew’s account reflects a world consistent with first-century Jewish culture under Roman rule. The genealogy aligns with known records, the locations mentioned correspond to confirmed archaeological sites, and the cultural and political structures described match historical findings.
Matthew’s Gospel aligns with known historical and archaeological facts:
• The genealogy fits known Jewish and royal lineages, affirming Jesus’ descent from Abraham and David.
• Locations such as Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Jerusalem correspond accurately with archaeological discoveries.
• First-century customs, religious practices, and political realities match what historians know about Judea under Roman occupation.
• Prophecies quoted in Matthew align with historical events and accepted Jewish expectations of the Messiah.
Matthew’s attention to detail reflects a Gospel rooted in recognizable culture, geography, and history. Just like every book of the Bible, Matthew stands firmly supported by historical records, archaeological discoveries, geographical accuracy, and genealogical continuity — demonstrating that the Scriptural narrative is anchored in real events, real people, and real places.
Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.
In genealogical terms, Matthew intentionally includes both kings and unexpected figures — including women and Gentiles — demonstrating God’s inclusive plan of salvation.
Geographically, Jesus’ life unfolds across meaningful prophetic locations:
• Bethlehem — the birthplace of the prophesied Messiah, fulfilling the words of Micah and confirming Jesus as the long-awaited Shepherd-King of Israel.
• Nazareth — His humble hometown, fulfilling the prophetic expectation that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene, identifying with the lowly and the overlooked.
• Galilee — the region where much of Jesus’ ministry took place, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that light would shine in “Galilee of the Gentiles,” revealing God’s plan to reach all nations.
• Jerusalem — the spiritual center of Israel, the place of the Temple, and the prophetic location of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, completing the redemptive mission foretold throughout Scripture.
These locations are not incidental or symbolic — they are real places with deep prophetic significance. Their connection to Jesus’ life demonstrates that God’s promises are fulfilled in precise detail, across geography, history, and generations. Understanding these locations deepens our appreciation of God’s faithfulness, reminding us that He accomplishes every part of His redemptive plan exactly as He declared.
Daily Applications for Christians — Living Out the Message of Matthew
Matthew’s Gospel offers profound and practical lessons for daily Christian life. Its teachings are not distant spiritual ideals; they are a blueprint for how believers are called to live, think, respond, and walk with God every day. Jesus’ words throughout Matthew provide a clear picture of what it means to live as citizens of the kingdom of heaven in a world that often values the opposite.
Matthew teaches believers to trust God’s faithfulness, for every promise God made — from the covenant with Abraham to the prophecies of the Messiah — is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This reminds Christians that God’s Word is unchanging, trustworthy, and dependable in every season of life. In moments of uncertainty, Matthew calls believers to anchor their hearts in the truth that God always accomplishes what He declares.
Matthew also reveals what it means to live as kingdom citizens. Jesus calls His followers to embody mercy, humility, justice, purity of heart, and righteousness. The Sermon on the Mount presents a lifestyle that stands apart from worldly values: loving enemies, praying sincerely, blessing those who persecute you, and choosing forgiveness instead of bitterness. These teachings shape the Christian life from the inside out, showing that obedience flows from a transformed heart.
Following Jesus means embracing Him as both Teacher and King. Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ authority in all things — His authority over sin, sickness, storms, demons, and even death. Submitting to His authority means trusting His Word, obeying His commands, and allowing His teaching to guide decisions, relationships, habits, and daily actions. His Lordship is not a concept; it becomes the foundation of how a believer lives.
Matthew also compels believers to share the good news. The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a call to every Christian. Sharing Christ can happen through conversations, acts of compassion, prayer, service, and everyday faithfulness. Matthew reminds us that the Gospel is meant to be lived out and proclaimed, bringing hope to a world in need.
To summarize these teachings clearly:
• Trust God’s faithfulness, for every promise He made was fulfilled in Christ
• Live as citizens of God’s kingdom, reflecting values of mercy, humility, justice, and purity
• Follow Jesus as both Teacher and King, submitting to His authority
• Share the good news, fulfilling the Great Commission in their communities and beyond
Matthew 6:33 But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
The book also offers encouragement in trials. Jesus teaches that suffering, persecution, and difficulties do not mean God is absent — He uses these seasons to refine faith and deepen trust. Matthew shows believers how to resist hypocrisy, forgive freely, love sacrificially, and endure with perseverance.
Through every chapter, Jesus assures His followers that they are never alone. His promise at the end of Matthew is the strength believers carry into each day: He is with us always, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to walk in obedience and faith.
Matthew encourages believers to walk in obedience, resist hypocrisy, forgive freely, love sacrificially, persevere in trials, and trust Jesus’ presence at all times.
Last Thoughts about Matthew — The Gospel of the Messiah, King, and Redeemer
Matthew reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah, the divine King, and the Redeemer who fulfills every prophecy. It is a Gospel that connects the whole story of Scripture — showing that Jesus is the center of God’s plan from beginning to end. Matthew teaches that every event in Jesus’ life was the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose, and it invites believers to follow Him wholeheartedly, trust His teachings, embrace His kingdom, and live with confidence knowing He is with us always.
Just like all Scripture, Matthew must be interpreted with reverence, humility, and care. Believers are not called to rely on personal opinions or assumptions but to seek the true meaning of God’s Word by using biblically grounded tools. Reliable Bible encyclopedias and Bible dictionaries — published by trusted Christian publishers such as Holman, Zondervan, or Tyndale — provide historical, linguistic, and cultural clarity and can be accessed through local libraries or purchased from Christian retailers.
Trusted theological platforms such as Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com) offer deep, well-organized biblical resources for serious study. Creation Ministries International (https://creation.com) provides well-researched material related to origins, genealogy, and biblical history. Apologetics Canada (https://apologeticscanada.com) also offers solid Christian apologetics content, including resources like “Can I Trust the Bible?” on their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhVPBNBAGY0), helping believers understand the reliability and historical credibility of Scripture. Using trustworthy sources strengthens understanding and keeps interpretation aligned with God’s Word.
As you continue your journey through Scripture, Matthew reminds you that discipleship is not merely knowledge — it is a life surrendered to the authority, compassion, and kingship of Jesus Christ. This Gospel encourages believers to build their lives upon His teachings, trust His promises, and rest in His presence. Matthew assures every follower of Christ that the One who came to save is the same One who walks with His people daily, guiding them in truth and strengthening them through every season.
Matthew 7:24 Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them will be compared to a wise man who built his house on a rock.
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