My comments are not an inspired commentary, but rather a few words to draw attention to the background, context, and dynamic situation of Matthew’s gospel. May God bless your reading of His Word. T.C.
The New Testament “Gospels” are four accounts of the arrival and ministry of the Christ, the Son of God. These Gospel accounts were written well after the beginning of the church. Though the events of Matthew take place in the Old Testament time period, the book is written from the perspective of the New Testament church. The Gospels are New Testament books. Jesus did not come to renew or reinforce the Old Covenant. He came to fulfill it and to replace it with the New Covenant (Matt. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:14-15).
After 400 years of prophetic silence, John the Baptist announces that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and points to Jesus as the hope of mankind. Matthew was likely written around 75 A.D. to a Jewish audience. This Gospel declares that Jesus of Nazareth was born in fulfillment of the virgin birth prophecy (Matt. 1:22-23; Isa. 7:14). The genealogy (that of Joseph, the legal but not physical father of Jesus) establishes that Jesus is a descendant of Abraham and David, and the rightful heir to the throne.
The word “gospel” means good news! The Gospel of Jesus Christ contains facts to believe, commands to obey, and promises to receive. It is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16-17). Matthew tells us that the unique child born to Mary would save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). Good news indeed! Since Jesus fulfilled the Immanuel prophecy by Isaiah (Isa. 7:14), his presence would forever declare that “God is with us.” He is with us in the pages of the New Testament. He is with us in our heart of hearts. He is with us as we assemble and remember his death. He is with us as the intercessor who speaks to the Father on our behalf. He is with us individually, and he is with his church. He will be with us to the end of the world (Matt. 28:20).
