The Gospel of Matthew may be claimed as the Christian book par excellence. It stands at the beginning of the New Testament canon, the first text readers encounter when they pick up the New Testament. Judging from the attention it has received since ancient times, it has often been considered the first Gospel in importance as well. It contains many of the texts most familiar to Christians and non-Christians alike: the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, the Great Commission. Although it was probably not the first Gospel written--that distinction belongs to the Gospel of Mark--Matthew is the first Gospel in the minds of many Christians.
In this four-session study participants will learn about the structure of the book, the original audience, and the major themes the author wished to convey to us in the way he tells the story of Jesus' life and ministry.