Is the book of Matthew in the Old or New Testament?

The book of Matthew is firmly situated in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is the first of the four canonical Gospels, which also include Mark, Luke, and John. These Gospels collectively narrate the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, serving as foundational texts for Christian theology and practice.

The New Testament itself is a collection of 27 books, written after the life of Jesus Christ, and it is distinct from the Old Testament, which contains texts written before Jesus' earthly ministry. The Old Testament lays the historical, theological, and prophetic groundwork for the coming of the Messiah, who Christians believe is Jesus Christ. The New Testament, on the other hand, reveals the fulfillment of those prophecies and the establishment of the new covenant through Jesus.

Matthew's Gospel begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, situating Jesus within the Jewish tradition and emphasizing His role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This genealogy is significant because it connects Jesus to key figures in Jewish history, including King David, thus reinforcing His messianic credentials. Matthew 1:1 states, "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." This opening verse alone encapsulates the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing that Jesus is the continuation and fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

One of the unique aspects of Matthew’s Gospel is its emphasis on Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Matthew frequently quotes Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate how Jesus fulfills them. For example, in Matthew 1:22-23, the birth of Jesus is linked to the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)." This method of linking Jesus’ life to Old Testament prophecies is a recurring theme throughout Matthew’s Gospel.

Matthew is also known for its structured teaching sections, often referred to as the five discourses. These include the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), the Missionary Discourse (chapter 10), the Parables of the Kingdom (chapter 13), the Community Discourse (chapter 18), and the Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25). The Sermon on the Mount, in particular, is one of the most famous passages in the New Testament, containing the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. These teachings are central to Christian ethics and spirituality, offering a vision of the Kingdom of Heaven that contrasts sharply with worldly values.

Another distinctive feature of Matthew’s Gospel is its portrayal of Jesus as a teacher and a new Moses. This is evident in the way Matthew structures his Gospel and in the content of Jesus' teachings. Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, Jesus delivers His new teachings on a mountain in the Sermon on the Mount. This parallel underscores Jesus' role in bringing a new covenant, one that fulfills and transcends the old Mosaic Law.

Matthew also places significant emphasis on the Kingdom of Heaven. Unlike the other Gospels, Matthew consistently uses the term "Kingdom of Heaven" rather than "Kingdom of God." This phrase appears over thirty times in Matthew, reflecting a Jewish reverence for the name of God and highlighting the Gospel’s Jewish context. The Kingdom of Heaven is depicted as both a present reality and a future hope, inaugurated by Jesus but awaiting its full realization.

The Great Commission, found at the end of Matthew’s Gospel (28:18-20), encapsulates the global mission of the Church. Jesus commands His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This commission underscores the universal scope of the Gospel message and the enduring presence of Jesus with His followers.

Matthew’s Gospel also includes unique parables and miracles that are not found in the other Gospels. For example, the Parable of the Weeds (13:24-30) and the Parable of the Ten Virgins (25:1-13) are unique to Matthew and offer profound insights into the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. The miracles, such as the healing of two blind men (9:27-31) and the coin in the fish’s mouth (17:24-27), further illustrate Jesus’ divine authority and compassion.

In addition to its theological and literary qualities, the Gospel of Matthew has had a profound impact on Christian worship and practice. The Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13), for instance, is recited by millions of Christians around the world and serves as a model for Christian prayer. The Beatitudes (5:3-12) have inspired countless sermons, hymns, and works of art, shaping Christian understanding of blessedness and righteousness.

The Gospel of Matthew also addresses the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. While it is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, it also emphasizes the inclusion of Gentiles in the new covenant community. This is evident in the genealogy, which includes Gentile women like Ruth and Rahab, and in the story of the Magi, who are Gentiles that come to worship the newborn King (2:1-12). The Great Commission further underscores the universal mission of the Church, calling for the discipleship of all nations.

Matthew’s Gospel, therefore, serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, affirming the continuity of God’s redemptive plan while also heralding the new era inaugurated by Jesus Christ. It combines deep reverence for Jewish tradition with a bold proclamation of the universal scope of the Gospel, making it a foundational text for understanding the life and mission of Jesus.

In summary, the book of Matthew is unquestionably part of the New Testament. It opens the New Testament with a powerful narrative that connects the promises of the Old Testament with their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through its unique structure, emphasis on Jesus as the Messiah, and focus on the Kingdom of Heaven, Matthew provides a comprehensive and compelling account of the life and teachings of Jesus, laying the groundwork for Christian faith and practice.