What are some examples of historical context in reference to Matthew?

Answer 1

Matthew's Gospel is believed to have been written by an anonymous author during the 80s of the first century CE, although Raymond E Brown suggests allowing some latitude for error. It was attributed to the disciple Matthew later in the second century, on the sole ground that Matthew was considered a well educated eyewitness and therefore the most probable author. Like other gospels, Matthew was written in Greek Koine, not as sometimes supposed in Aramaic, the language of Palestinian Jews in the first century. Matthew is likely to have been written somewhere near modern Syria, although the actual location is subject to debate.

Although traditionally viewed as being written for Jews, this is improbable, given the lack of knowledge of Jewish customs evident in the Gospel. The reference to Isaiah chapter 14, used by Matthew to suggest that Isaiah had prophesied the virgin birth of Jesus, proves that the author was using the Septuagint, a flawed early Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, and not the original Hebrew version. Most Palestinian Jews, at least, would have realised this error and therefore dismissed the entire Gospel.

It can be demonstrated that Matthew relies entirely on Mark's Gospel for information on the life and mission of Jesus. Further sayings attributed to Jesus have been identified by scholars with the hypothetical 'Q' document. Some material in this Gospel is unique to Matthew, such as the story of the nativity of Jesus, the genealogy of his father Joseph and the resurrection of Jesus, and it is not known where this came from.

Since Matthew already had a copy of Mark's Gospel, there must have been a compelling reason for a new gospel account to be written. Given the heavy emphasis in Matthew's Gospel on supposed prophecies and references to Jesus in the Old Testament, it is possible that it had become necessary to defend the story in Mark. Matthew's Gospel gives us a more human, believable Jesus and shows that he was foreshadowed in the ancient scripture, thus that Christianity was more than just a new superstition.

Answer 2

Some examples of historical context related to the Gospel of Matthew include: the Roman occupation of Israel, the cultural and religious practices of the Jewish community at the time, the presence of various sects and groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the overall political climate in the region during the 1st century AD. These factors help to illuminate the social dynamics and tensions that would have influenced the writing and reception of the Gospel.

Answer 3

These are all examples of areas in the book of Matthew that are also recorded elsewhere in history. A large portion of them have been recorded in the readings of Josephus, a well-known and respected Jewish historian of the time.

Herod Kills the Children...Matthew 2:16-18

Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds...throughout Matthew

The Death of John the Baptist...Matthew 14:1-12

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand...Matthew 14:13-21

The Triumphal Entry...Matthew 21:1-11

The Plot to Kill Jesus...Matthew 26:1-5

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council...Matthew 26:57-68

Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus...Matthew 27:15-55