is identified as Jewish in origin, because his Gospel contains many references to Jewish Scripture, law, and ways of life. Although not clear, some authorities think it was Palestine, and others think is was another early Christian center, possibly the city of Antioch, where it was written.Matthews Gospel has been understood as Jewish-Christian in outlook. Matthew had a number of purposes for writing the Gospel. One was to instruct and exhort members of his community. He has two broad categories of material: narrative and discourse. Many scholars conclude Matthews primary intent was to write a handbook for church leaders to assist them in preaching, teaching, worship, mission, and polemic. In his Gospel, Matthew focused clearly on Jesus Christ and his kingdom as the good news of salvation. For Matthew, Jesus is not the son of David, but he is the son of Abraham. Notable in Matthew is its emphasis on Jesus as the promised Messiah and on matters pertaining to the church. Evidence that it probably was written for Jewish Christians may be found which is concerned with representing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The deep interest in the disciples is emphasized in Matthew. Matthew gives the fullest account of how Jesus called them, how he instructed them, how they failed him, and how the risen Christ forgave them. The influence of Matthew on Christianity has been dominant ever since its composition. Some well-known sections are the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, and the passion stories. They are better known and more frequently read than the parallel passages in the other Gospels.III. Matthian TheologyMatthews gospel has two focuses. They are Jesus as the Christ and the near approach of the Kingdom of God. Matthew said that these focuses should not be separated. Matthew emphasized that the Kingdom of God is the great object of hope, prayer, and proclamation. Two other characteristic features of Matthew are h...
