The Purpose of the Book
The first four books of the New Testament are called Gospels. “Gospel” means “good news.” These books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Each book is arranged differently because each author was writing to a different audience and for a different purpose.
The Old Testament prophets predicted the coming of Christ, the Messiah (anointed king). The Jews wanted their Messiah to come. The Book of Matthew forms a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Matthew gives written evidence to prove Jesus’ claims to be the Messiah. Much of Matthew’s writing deals with Old Testament prophecy and how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. He also recorded the teachings of Jesus Christ about the kingdom of God. Matthew wanted his Jewish readers to know that Jesus was the promised Messiah and to understand the kingdom of God.
The Author of the Book
The author of the first Gospel does not give his name. Early Christians accepted it as being written by Matthew. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector when Jesus called him (Matthew 9:9-11). He was one of Jesus’ apostles (Matthew 10:2-4).