Although Matthew is mentioned only once by name after the Resurrection, he greatly influenced the early church. History records that he preached in Syria, Ethiopia, and Persia. According to Eusebius, just before Matthew departed to these distant lands, he took time to write the first Gospel as a memorial to his Palestinian converts. It is possibly the most widely read of all the Bible books. Matthew views Christ as the "Son of God" and directs his message to the Jews.
Divided into "discourse" and "history of Christ," Matthew gives the fullest Gospel account of the ethical teachings of Jesus. Although it was not the first Gospel written, it has been placed first in the New Testament for these basic reasons: (1) Matthew contains more of the teachings of Christ in His sermons than any other book. (2) It is the most "Jewish" of the Gospels and therefore should be placed next to the Old Testament. (3) It follows up the prophecies of the Old Testament more clearly than all other Gospels. (4) Matthew declares the kingdom of heaven. In fact, the term "kingdom of heaven" is used thirty-three times in the book.
Matthew gives us our most complete stories of Christ's life and work. It is also significant that he tells his Jewish friends about the "rest" our Lord offered. The Jews had been carried into captivity, had suffered in slavery, had been harassed by enemies, and had been alienated from society. To them, Matthew quotes Jesus' invitation to come to Him for real rest. What a tragedy that the Jews rejected the Messiah! Since then, they have continued in the circle of despair predicted by the prophets. Those Jews who have accepted Christ have found His words true indeed. Like all believers, they know Christ as the way to peace, joy, and fulfillment.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29 KJV
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