Matthew

Choose a chapter below to read the book of Matthew in the King James Version.

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Summary of the Book of Matthew

Matthew opens with Jesus’ genealogy and birth to show that He stands in the line of Abraham and David. From the beginning, Matthew frames Jesus as the promised Messiah whose coming fulfills long-awaited Scripture. John the Baptist prepares the way, and Jesus begins His ministry by calling disciples and announcing the kingdom of heaven.

A major feature of Matthew is Jesus’ teaching, especially the Sermon on the Mount and other extended discourses. Matthew pairs these teachings with miracles, parables, and encounters that reveal both Jesus’ authority and people’s varied responses to Him. As opposition grows, Jesus forms His disciples to live with righteousness, humility, and faithful endurance.

The Gospel moves toward Jerusalem, where conflict with religious leaders intensifies and Jesus speaks about judgment, readiness, and the coming kingdom. Matthew then tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection with clear focus on God’s saving plan. The book closes with the risen Christ sending His followers to make disciples of all nations.

About the Book of Matthew

Author
Traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of the twelve apostles.
Historical Setting
Written in the setting of the early church, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, with strong attention to fulfillment of Scripture.
Purpose
To help readers see that Jesus fulfills God’s promises, teaches the way of the kingdom, and calls disciples to follow Him with whole-life obedience.
Main Theme
Jesus is the promised Messiah and King who fulfills Scripture and forms kingdom disciples.
Key People
Jesus, Matthew, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, Peter, Judas, Pilate

Key Themes in Matthew

Jesus as Messiah and King

Matthew presents Jesus as the royal Son of David who brings God’s reign.

Fulfillment of Scripture

Events in Jesus’ life are repeatedly connected to God’s earlier promises.

The Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus announces God’s kingdom and explains its values through teaching and parables.

Discipleship and Righteousness

True followers of Jesus are called to heart-level obedience, mercy, and integrity.

Mission to the Nations

The Gospel ends with a global calling to make disciples in every people group.

Outline of Matthew

  1. Birth and preparation of the MessiahMatthew 1–4

    Matthew introduces Jesus as promised Messiah through His genealogy, birth, baptism, and wilderness testing.

  2. The teaching and works of the kingdomMatthew 5–13

    Jesus teaches kingdom life and confirms His authority through miracles, parables, and calls to faith.

  3. Jesus forms and instructs His disciplesMatthew 14–20

    As opposition grows, Jesus shapes His disciples in faith, humility, and servant-hearted leadership.

  4. Conflict in Jerusalem and final teachingMatthew 21–25

    In Jerusalem, Jesus confronts religious leaders and gives urgent teaching about readiness and judgment.

  5. Death, resurrection, and Great CommissionMatthew 26–28

    The Gospel climaxes in Jesus’ sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, and mission to all nations.

What the Book of Matthew Teaches

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and rightful King, tying His life and teaching to Israel’s Scriptures. Its major teaching sections ground readers in discipleship, prayer, integrity, mercy, and mission. The book helps everyday believers follow Christ with both conviction and compassion.