The Gospel According to Matthew:Background Material
Introductory Thoughts: Twenty or so years after the risen Lord gave the Great Commission, a humble disciple named Levi, who was led by the Spirit, wrote a masterful work without literary parallel. He never quoted himself, or laid a claim on this work. Rather, he lifted up Christ as Lord. How he did it, and what his sources may have been were in debate amongst scholars and theologians for years, but what we have is the prince of the Gospels that conveys the life and blood of the Lamb. It is the book for an understanding of who we are in Christ, what He did, and how we are to live.
The Gospel of Matthew has always occupied a special place of high esteem in the life of the church. From its position as the first book in the New Testament, it is the most read and quoted book in church history. Here is what one “liberal” commentator had to say: When we turn to Matthew, we turn to the book which may well be called the most important single document of the Christian faith, for in it we have the fullest and the most systematic account of the life and the teachings of Jesus. - William Barclay (who has excellent insights, but must be read with much discernment, as he denies miracles, and the Person and work of Christ, as most secular and liberal theologians do.)
Matthew was the most frequently quoted book by the early church (the writings during the first two centuries of the church), and perhaps the most widely read Gospel (or book for that matter) ever! Matthew also occupied the royal seat of theology for the Catholic Church, as they used its imagery to define itself though worship and icons. Then the Reformers called the Church away, not from Matthew, but from the abuse and misrepresentations that accrued. Thus, the focus shifted to Romans as the cradle of theology. Matthew remains as the starting point of faith and knowing the Lord, and the cradle of the Lord.
Why was this Gospel so impacting and popular, and why has it ministered to so many countless hearts over the centuries? Perhaps we can find out why as we venture into the background of and reasons for which it was written.
Click here to read more:
http://www.christianity.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID34418|CHID550612|CIID1377734,00.html
www.intothyword.com Richard@intothyword.com
© 2002 Richard J. Krejcir Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.com
Richard Joseph Krejcir is the Director of ‘Into Thy Word Ministries, ’a discipling ministry. He is the author of the book, Into Thy Word and is also a pastor, teacher, speaker and a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena California. He has amounted over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, mostly in youth ministry, including serving as a church growth consultant.
Introductory Thoughts: Twenty or so years after the risen Lord gave the Great Commission, a humble disciple named Levi, who was led by the Spirit, wrote a masterful work without literary parallel. He never quoted himself, or laid a claim on this work. Rather, he lifted up Christ as Lord. How he did it, and what his sources may have been were in debate amongst scholars and theologians for years, but what we have is the prince of the Gospels that conveys the life and blood of the Lamb. It is the book for an understanding of who we are in Christ, what He did, and how we are to live.
The Gospel of Matthew has always occupied a special place of high esteem in the life of the church. From its position as the first book in the New Testament, it is the most read and quoted book in church history. Here is what one “liberal” commentator had to say: When we turn to Matthew, we turn to the book which may well be called the most important single document of the Christian faith, for in it we have the fullest and the most systematic account of the life and the teachings of Jesus. - William Barclay (who has excellent insights, but must be read with much discernment, as he denies miracles, and the Person and work of Christ, as most secular and liberal theologians do.)
Matthew was the most frequently quoted book by the early church (the writings during the first two centuries of the church), and perhaps the most widely read Gospel (or book for that matter) ever! Matthew also occupied the royal seat of theology for the Catholic Church, as they used its imagery to define itself though worship and icons. Then the Reformers called the Church away, not from Matthew, but from the abuse and misrepresentations that accrued. Thus, the focus shifted to Romans as the cradle of theology. Matthew remains as the starting point of faith and knowing the Lord, and the cradle of the Lord.
Why was this Gospel so impacting and popular, and why has it ministered to so many countless hearts over the centuries? Perhaps we can find out why as we venture into the background of and reasons for which it was written.
Click here to read more:
http://www.christianity.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID34418|CHID550612|CIID1377734,00.html
www.intothyword.com Richard@intothyword.com
© 2002 Richard J. Krejcir Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.com
Richard Joseph Krejcir is the Director of ‘Into Thy Word Ministries, ’a discipling ministry. He is the author of the book, Into Thy Word and is also a pastor, teacher, speaker and a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena California. He has amounted over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, mostly in youth ministry, including serving as a church growth consultant.
posted by Richard | 8:06 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home