The current introduction to my next book
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The current introduction to my next book
I’m working on a new book, which contains a translation of Matthew’s Gospel, and commentary. My title at this point is “The kingdom from the sky.” It is a work in progress, but here’s the current introduction:
The Gospels were not random collections of biographical snapshots. Each of the Gospels in the New Testament was carefully crafted, and each made an important impact on its readers. One of my goals in producing this translation and commentary of Matthew's Gospel is to show why Matthew chose the material that he did. I want to reveal the criteria for his inclusion of the events that he describes, as well as Jesus' parables and teachings that he records.
I see Matthew answering some very basic questions about Jesus Christ in his Gospel. He introduces Jesus as "a descendant of David, a descendant of Abraham" (1:1). As such, I believe he is providing a framework for his introductory section and concluding section. He asks two questions. First, he asks why Jesus had to be born into David's line. He introduces the story of Jesus by providing the biographical data to answer that question (1:1-4:11).
Secondly, Matthew asks why Jesus had to be born in Abraham's line. That statement comes last; one would expect it to come first. Why does Matthew emphasize Abrahamic lineage when it is already a given, since David descended from Abraham? I think Matthew mentions Abraham because God specifically promised to provide an atoning sacrifice to Abraham. Matthew's concluding section (26:2-28:20) explains why Jesus had to die on the cross.
Thus, the framework of Jesus life that Matthew sets forth emphasizes the importance of his royal birth and sacrificial death.
Matthew's Gospel is the story of a king and his kingdom. But my title points out that this king is different from the other kings and presidents and princes of this planet. Matthew's king was born on earth, but he came from the sky. Jesus' kingdom claims this planet as its dominion, but its current domain and its origin is the sky.
In fact, the message of Jesus is that not only has he – the king – come from the sky, but his kingdom itself is coming from the sky. Matthew uses the Greek word βασιλεύς (king) 53 times in 23 verses. He uses the word βασιλεία (kingdom) 151 times in 56 verses. Matthew's Gospel is framed around the assumption of insurrection and rebellion. He calls us to rebel against this world's authorities and pledge allegiance to a king who came from the sky, and a kingdom which is coming down from the sky.
In light of this emphasis, Matthew's core content is easy to explain. He is answering questions about the nature of the current rebellion and future kingdom.
• 4:12-7:29 How to join the coming sky kingdom.
• 8:1-11:1 How to spread the sky kingdom.
• 11:2-13:53 How to stay committed to the sky king.
• 13:54-19:2 How to live by the standards of the sky kingdom.
• 19:3-26:1 When the sky kingdom is going to come.
I am including cross-references along with my translation of the text of Matthews's Gospel from the Greek, but the cross-references are only from Matthew. I want to show the consistency of Jesus' message as Matthew presents it. I have also included footnotes when my translation differs from popular or traditional ones.
Matthew is a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, and will always speak to every generation with fresh power and authority. I hope that my presentation of this Gospel will reveal clearly what the Holy Spirit wanted to reveal.
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I would appreciate comments, questions, and suggestions. Thank you.