Who is the recipient of Matthew and what are its unique characteristics?
Recipient of the Gospel of Matthew
The recipient of the Gospel of Matthew: Unlike some other books of the New Testament that are addressed to a specific individual or group, the Gospel of Matthew doesn't specifically mention its recipient. However, based on its content and style, scholars believe that the primary target audience for Matthew's Gospel was the Jewish community.
Unique Characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew
1. Emphasis on Old Testament Prophecies: One of the unique characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew is its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Throughout the Gospel, there are numerous references to Old Testament scriptures that are fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
2. Unexplained Jewish Customs: Another distinctive feature of Matthew's Gospel is the inclusion of Jewish customs and practices without explanation. This suggests that the intended audience was already familiar with these traditions and that the Gospel was written with a Jewish readership in mind.
3. Concentration on Jesus' Teachings: Matthew's Gospel places a significant focus on the teachings of Jesus. The content is organized into five discourses, which mirror the structure of the Jewish Pentateuch â the first five books of the Old Testament. This organization highlights the importance of Jesus' teachings in the Gospel narrative.