Communion With the Christ:: Elementary Notes: About the Gospels

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." —2 Timothy 3:16

The Significance of the Bible

Christians—and even some non-Christians—hold the Bible in high regard. It serves as God’s revelation, speaking to humanity about who He is and unveiling Himself in the person of His Holy Son, Jesus Christ.

The Gospels

The New Testament begins with the Gospels—a term derived from an Old English word meaning “glad tidings” or “good news.” The Greek equivalent is "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion), meaning “good message.”

Each Gospel is an authorized biography of Jesus Christ, offering insight into His incarnation, life, teachings, actions, and surrounding events. Yet, despite their foundational role, the Gospels were not the earliest writings of the Apostolic Church—many of St. Paul's epistles were circulating within churches before the Gospels were composed.

Some biblical historians believe that St. Mark’s Gospel may have been the first written, possibly originating as early notes before being fully compiled.

The Gospels are traditionally divided into two groups:

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) – Meaning "seen together," these accounts share significant similarities.
The Gospel of John – Stands apart with a unique perspective, differing in style and focus.

Each Gospel was written with a specific audience and purpose in mind.

The Gospel of St. Matthew

Symbolism in Stained Glass, Iconology

If you've ever admired a church’s stained-glass windows, you might have noticed various symbols and wondered what they represent. Early Christians often borrowed imagery from Old Testament events and Israel’s history, seeing themselves as spiritual successors to God’s people.

Each of Israel’s twelve tribes camped under a specific banner. Among these, the winged man symbol—often found in stained glass windows—was chosen to represent St. Matthew’s Gospel.

This symbol originated from the encampment of Israel, which was formed in the shape of a cross during their journey to the Promised Land. The winged man signified the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob—a familiar reference for Jewish Christians of the first century.

St. Matthew’s Background & Audience

St. Matthew (also called Levi, son of Alpheus) was a tax collector in Capernaum, Galilee. This profession held low social standing among Jews, as tax collectors were viewed as corrupt and despised for collaborating with Roman authorities. Many Jews considered them traitors to Israel.

At the time of his calling by Jesus, Matthew collected taxes for Herod Antipas. Tax collectors often had a strong attention to detail, and many were fluent in multiple languages—skills that likely influenced Matthew’s writing.

His Gospel is believed to have been written around the early to mid-50s AD.

Writing for a Jewish Audience

Matthew crafted his Gospel with Jewish readers in mind, carefully drawing upon Israel’s own inspired traditions and Scriptural references to present Jesus Christ as their long-awaited Messiah.

His role as an Apostle served as a testament to the inclusion and forgiveness offered through Christ—after all, if a despised tax collector could be accepted, so could any other Jew.

Jesus’ Genealogy in Matthew

Matthew begins with Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17), carefully establishing an unbroken lineage from Abraham to David to Jesus. This was crucial for demonstrating that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of being the “Son of David”—the rightful heir to Israel’s throne.

St. Matthew also strategically integrates key milestones in Israel’s history, emphasizing how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel’s narrative and divine purpose.

There are two genealogies recorded in Scripture:

Matthew’s Genealogy – Traces Jesus’ lineage from Abraham to Joseph (his earthly father).
Luke’s Genealogy – Traces it from Adam, hinting at Jesus being the “second Adam,” as St. Paul described.

Genealogies were extremely significant to Jewish identity, informing people who they were and where they came from. Matthew’s careful inclusion of this demonstrates Jesus’ rightful place in God’s plan for Israel.

The Old Testament

It cannot be overstated just how important the Old Testament is—it is the inspired history of the people of Israel, chronicling their relationships with God, historical events, and prophetic messages.

The Old Testament vs. The Old Covenant

There is often confusion between the Old Testament and the Old Covenant:

The Old Covenant refers to the agreement God made with Israel at Mount Sinai, which remained in force until the Cross at Calvary.
The Old Testament is the written record of Israel’s history and relationship with God. It includes the details of the Old Covenant, yet stands as an eternal part of God's Word.

In many ways:

The Old Testament anticipates the Incarnation.
The New Testament fulfills the Incarnation.

The Structure of the Old Testament

The Hebrew Bible is traditionally divided into three sections:

TORAH – The Law

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

NEVI'IM – The Prophets

1. Joshua

2. Judges

3. 1 Samuel

4. 2 Samuel

 1 Kings

 2 Kings

 Isaiah

 Jeremiah

 Ezekiel

The Twelve "Minor Prophets" (Still part of the Nevi’im)

1. Hosea

2. Joel

3. Amos

4. Obadiah

5. Jonah

6. Micah

7. Nahum

8. Habakkuk

9. Zephaniah

10. Haggai

11. Zechariah

12. Malachi

KETHUVIM – The Writings

1. Psalms (Psalter)

2. Proverbs

3. Job

4. Song of Songs (Song of Solomon, Canticles)

5. Ruth

1. Lamentations

2. Esther

3. Daniel

4. Ezra

5. Nehemiah

6. 1 Chronicles

7. 2 Chronicles

Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Old Testament

These inspired writings created the cultural anticipation of the Messiah, confirming and supporting Jesus’ Messianic credentials.

St. Matthew’s Use of the Old Testament

St. Matthew strategically references Old Testament Scriptures to demonstrate to the Jewish people that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.

Matthew emphasizes how Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures, thereby bringing to completion Israel’s long-standing expectation.

The Messianic Prophecy & Israel’s Role

As a nation, Israel served as the human setting for Christ’s arrival, creating a cultural foundation for introducing the Messiah.

The Scriptures preserved the ancient prophecy given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden—a prophecy foretelling the Messiah’s mission of reconciliation:

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." —Genesis 3:15

This verse is often called the "Proto-Evangelium"—or "the first preaching of the Gospel."

Through generations, Scripture sustained the hope of a Redeemer, culminating in Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the City of David—as recorded by St.Matthew.

St. Matthew further establishes Jesus’ royal lineage, tracing His ancestry from:

§ Abraham, the father of Israel.

§ David, affirming Jesus as the Greater Son of David.

St. Matthew repeatedly calls Jesus "Son of David"—seven times—further proving His fulfillment of Micah 5:2 and highlighting King Herod's hostile reaction (Matthew 2:16-18).

Jesus: The King of the Jews

St. Matthew consistently portrays Jesus as King:

§ The Magi inquire: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2)

§ Pilate asks: "Are you the King of the Jews?" (Matthew 27:11)

§ The inscription over Jesus’ cross reads: "This is Jesus, King of the Jews." (Matthew 27:37)

Unique to St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of His throne:

§ Matthew 19:28

§ Matthew 25:31

St. Matthew also emphasizes Jerusalem, calling it:

§ "The Holy City" (Matthew 4:5)

§ "The City of the Great King" (Matthew 5:35)

St. Matthew’s Gospel frequently references the Kingdom:

§ The term "Kingdom" appears over fifty times.

§ "Kingdom of Heaven" appears thirty-five times.

St. Matthew, more than any other Gospel writer, uses Old Testament prophecies to show how they foreshadowed Jesus’ life and mission.

The Prophet

St. Matthew presents Jesus as “The Prophet” whom God promised to Moses. Over time, the people of Israel identified this figure as the prophesied Messiah—one who, like Moses, would lead them.

This expectation is reflected in the questions posed to John the Baptist by Jewish religious leaders:

"Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He (John) answered, "No."
—John 1:21

God's promise of this coming Prophet is recorded in Deuteronomy:

"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account."
—Deuteronomy 18:18-19

Jesus: The Fulfillment of Israel’s Hope

St. Matthew’s Gospel speaks directly to the heart of Israel, demonstrating through their own Scriptures that the One they longed for, the One they prayed for—had come.

Jesus is revealed as:

The Son of Abraham—the fulfillment of God’s covenant.
The Greater Son of David—the rightful heir to Israel’s throne.
The Second Joshua—leading His people, but rejected—at least for a time.

Through St. Matthew’s Gospel, the Holy Spirit speaks to the Jewish people—and all people—offering everything needed to recognize and identify with Christ, the long-awaited Messiah.

Benediction

May we each and all be ever grateful to our Lord for the record of the Gospel regarding Jesus Christ—today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Amen.