What is the First Book of the New Testament?

The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, and it tells the story of Jesus Christ and his followers. It is made up of 27 books, which were written by different authors over a period of about 100 years. The first book of the New Testament is the Gospel of Matthew.

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, who was one of Jesus' twelve closest followers. It was probably written between 80 and 90 AD, making it one of the earliest books of the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew is a narrative of Jesus' life and teachings, and it includes accounts of his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection.

The Gospel of Matthew is an important book for Christians because it provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings. It is also a valuable historical document, as it provides information about the early Christian church and the context in which Jesus lived and taught.

What is the First Book of the New Testament?

Here are 10 important points:

• First book: Gospel of Matthew
• Author: traditionally Matthew the Apostle
• Written: 80-90 AD
• Genre: narrative
• Content: Jesus' life and teachings
• Includes: birth, ministry, death, resurrection
• Important for Christians
• Provides comprehensive account of Jesus' life
• Valuable historical document
• Insights into early Christian church

The Gospel of Matthew is a foundational book for Christianity, providing a detailed account of Jesus' life and teachings. It is also a valuable historical resource, offering insights into the context in which Jesus lived and taught.

First book: Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the most important books in Christianity. It is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, who was one of Jesus' twelve closest followers. The Gospel of Matthew was probably written between 80 and 90 AD, making it one of the earliest books of the New Testament.

The Gospel of Matthew is a narrative of Jesus' life and teachings. It begins with an account of Jesus' birth and early life, then moves on to his ministry, death, and resurrection. The Gospel of Matthew includes many of Jesus' most famous teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer. It also contains accounts of Jesus' miracles and parables.

The Gospel of Matthew is an important book for Christians because it provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings. It is also a valuable historical document, as it provides information about the early Christian church and the context in which Jesus lived and taught. The Gospel of Matthew has been studied and interpreted by Christians for centuries, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for believers today.

In addition to its religious significance, the Gospel of Matthew is also a valuable literary work. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it is full of vivid imagery and powerful storytelling. The Gospel of Matthew has been praised by literary critics for its beauty and its ability to capture the essence of Jesus' life and teachings.

The Gospel of Matthew is a foundational book for Christianity, providing a detailed account of Jesus' life and teachings. It is also a valuable historical resource, offering insights into the context in which Jesus lived and taught, and a significant work of literature, admired for its clarity, imagery, and storytelling.

Author: traditionally Matthew the Apostle

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve closest followers. There are several reasons for this attribution:

• Early tradition: The earliest Christian writers, such as Papias of Hierapolis and Irenaeus of Lyon, both writing in the second century AD, attributed the Gospel of Matthew to Matthew the Apostle.
• Internal evidence: The Gospel of Matthew itself contains several passages that suggest that it was written by an eyewitness to Jesus' life and ministry. For example, in Matthew 9:9, the author describes Jesus calling Matthew to be one of his disciples. In Matthew 26:33, the author records Jesus predicting his own betrayal by one of his disciples, and in Matthew 27:5, the author describes Judas Iscariot's suicide after he betrayed Jesus.
• Literary style: The Gospel of Matthew is written in a clear and concise style, which is consistent with the style of other writings attributed to Matthew, such as the Epistle of James.
• Theological content: The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' teachings and living a righteous life. This emphasis is consistent with the teachings of Matthew the Apostle, as recorded in the other New Testament books.

While the traditional attribution of the Gospel of Matthew to Matthew the Apostle is not certain, it is supported by a variety of evidence. This evidence suggests that Matthew was likely the author of the Gospel that bears his name.

Written: 80-90 AD

The Gospel of Matthew was probably written between 80 and 90 AD. This dating is based on a number of factors, including:

• Historical context: The Gospel of Matthew contains information about the early Christian church and the context in which Jesus lived and taught. This information suggests that the Gospel was written after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, but before the end of the first century AD.
• Literary analysis: The Gospel of Matthew shows signs of having been written over a period of time. For example, there are some inconsistencies in the order of events and some passages that seem to have been added later. This suggests that the Gospel was not written all at once, but was gradually compiled over a period of years.
• Comparison with other New Testament books: The Gospel of Matthew contains many of the same teachings and stories as the other New Testament Gospels. This suggests that the authors of the Gospels were familiar with each other's work and that they were writing around the same time.

Based on these factors, scholars generally agree that the Gospel of Matthew was written between 80 and 90 AD. This dating is important because it helps us to understand the context in which the Gospel was written and the purpose for which it was written.

The Gospel of Matthew was written to a community of Christians who were facing persecution and uncertainty. The Gospel provides them with a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings, and it encourages them to remain faithful to Jesus in the face of opposition.

The Gospel of Matthew is a valuable historical document that provides insights into the early Christian church and the context in which Jesus lived and taught. It is also a powerful and inspiring book that continues to challenge and encourage Christians today.

Genre: narrative

The Gospel of Matthew is a narrative. This means that it tells a story. The story is about Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

• Historical narrative: The Gospel of Matthew is based on historical events. It tells the story of Jesus' life and ministry in a chronological order. The Gospel also includes accounts of Jesus' miracles and parables, which are based on real events.
• Biographical narrative: The Gospel of Matthew is also a biography. It tells the story of Jesus' life from his birth to his resurrection. The Gospel focuses on Jesus' teachings and his interactions with his disciples and other people.
• Theological narrative: The Gospel of Matthew is also a theological narrative. It tells the story of Jesus' life and ministry in a way that emphasizes his divine nature and his role as the Messiah. The Gospel also includes teachings about the Kingdom of God and the importance of following Jesus.
• Evangelistic narrative: The Gospel of Matthew is also an evangelistic narrative. It is written with the intention of persuading people to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Gospel tells the story of Jesus' life and ministry in a way that is designed to appeal to people's hearts and minds.

The Gospel of Matthew is a complex and multifaceted narrative. It is a historical narrative, a biographical narrative, a theological narrative, and an evangelistic narrative. The Gospel tells the story of Jesus Christ in a way that is both informative and inspiring. It is a book that has been read and studied by Christians for centuries, and it continues to be a source of faith and inspiration today.

Content: Jesus' life and teachings

The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of Jesus' life and teachings. This includes:

• Jesus' birth and early life: The Gospel of Matthew begins with an account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. It then tells the story of Jesus' childhood and early life in Nazareth.
• Jesus' ministry: The majority of the Gospel of Matthew is devoted to Jesus' ministry. This includes accounts of Jesus' preaching, teaching, and healing miracles. The Gospel also includes accounts of Jesus' conflicts with the religious leaders of his day.
• Jesus' death and resurrection: The Gospel of Matthew concludes with an account of Jesus' death and resurrection. This includes the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, as well as the accounts of his resurrection appearances to his disciples.
• Jesus' teachings: The Gospel of Matthew also includes many of Jesus' teachings. These teachings cover a wide range of topics, including the Kingdom of God, righteousness, forgiveness, and love. Jesus' teachings are often presented in the form of parables, which are short stories that illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

The Gospel of Matthew is a valuable source of information about Jesus' life and teachings. It provides us with a comprehensive account of Jesus' ministry, and it includes many of his most important teachings. The Gospel of Matthew is an essential book for anyone who wants to learn more about Jesus Christ.

Includes: birth, ministry, death, resurrection

The Gospel of Matthew includes accounts of Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. These four events are central to the Christian faith, and the Gospel of Matthew provides a detailed and compelling narrative of each event.

Birth: The Gospel of Matthew begins with an account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The story is told from the perspective of Joseph, Jesus' earthly father. Joseph is visited by an angel who tells him that Mary, his betrothed, will give birth to a son who will be the Messiah. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for the census, and it is there that Jesus is born. The birth of Jesus is a miraculous event, and it is a sign of God's love for the world.

Ministry: The majority of the Gospel of Matthew is devoted to Jesus' ministry. This includes accounts of Jesus' preaching, teaching, and healing miracles. Jesus' ministry begins in Galilee, where he calls his first disciples. He then travels throughout Galilee and Judea, preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God. Jesus' ministry is marked by his compassion for the sick and the poor, and by his powerful teaching. He teaches about the importance of love, forgiveness, and righteousness.

Death: The Gospel of Matthew concludes with an account of Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus is betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, and he is arrested and put on trial. He is found guilty of blasphemy and is sentenced to death by crucifixion. Jesus is crucified on a cross, and he dies a few hours later. Jesus' death is a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and it is the means by which salvation is made possible.

Resurrection: On the third day after his death, Jesus rises from the dead. He appears to his disciples on several occasions, and he commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of his victory over sin and death. It is a sign of hope for all who believe in him.

The Gospel of Matthew's account of Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection is a powerful and inspiring story. It is a story that has been told and retold for centuries, and it continues to be a source of faith and hope for Christians around the world.

Important for Christians

The Gospel of Matthew is an important book for Christians for a number of reasons:

• It provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings. The Gospel of Matthew is the only Gospel that includes an account of Jesus' birth and early life. It also includes a detailed account of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. The Gospel of Matthew also includes many of Jesus' most important teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer.
• It is a valuable historical document. The Gospel of Matthew provides information about the early Christian church and the context in which Jesus lived and taught. This information is invaluable for understanding the origins of Christianity and the development of Christian doctrine.
• It is a source of inspiration and guidance. The Gospel of Matthew is a book that has been read and studied by Christians for centuries. It continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians today. The Gospel's teachings on love, forgiveness, and righteousness challenge Christians to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to God.
• It is a foundation of Christian faith. The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four Gospels that make up the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The Gospels are the foundation of Christian faith, and they tell the story of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The Gospel of Matthew is an essential book for anyone who wants to learn more about Jesus Christ and his teachings.

The Gospel of Matthew is an important book for Christians because it provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings, it is a valuable historical document, it is a source of inspiration and guidance, and it is a foundation of Christian faith.

Provides comprehensive account of Jesus' life

The Gospel of Matthew provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life. It is the only Gospel that includes an account of Jesus' birth and early life. It also includes a detailed account of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection.

• Birth and early life: The Gospel of Matthew begins with an account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. It then tells the story of Jesus' childhood and early life in Nazareth. Matthew includes the story of the visit of the wise men and the flight to Egypt. He also includes the story of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist.
• Ministry: The majority of the Gospel of Matthew is devoted to Jesus' ministry. Matthew includes accounts of Jesus' preaching, teaching, and healing miracles. He also includes accounts of Jesus' conflicts with the religious leaders of his day. Matthew's account of Jesus' ministry is organized around five major discourses: the Sermon on the Mount, the Mission Discourse, the Parable Discourse, the Discourse on the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Farewell Discourse.
• Death and resurrection: The Gospel of Matthew concludes with an account of Jesus' death and resurrection. Matthew includes the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, as well as the accounts of his resurrection appearances to his disciples. Matthew's account of Jesus' death and resurrection is a powerful and moving account of the central event of Christian faith.

The Gospel of Matthew's comprehensive account of Jesus' life is an invaluable resource for Christians. It provides a detailed and compelling narrative of Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. Matthew's Gospel is a foundation of Christian faith, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians around the world.

Valuable historical document

The Gospel of Matthew is a valuable historical document because it provides information about the early Christian church and the context in which Jesus lived and taught. This information is invaluable for understanding the origins of Christianity and the development of Christian doctrine.

The Gospel of Matthew provides information about the early Christian community in Jerusalem. It describes the apostles and other early leaders of the church, and it records the events that led to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

The Gospel of Matthew also provides information about the context in which Jesus lived and taught. It describes the political and religious situation in Judea in the first century AD, and it provides insights into the beliefs and practices of the Jewish people at that time.

The Gospel of Matthew is a valuable historical document because it provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a primary source for understanding the origins of Christianity and the development of Christian doctrine.

The Gospel of Matthew is not only a valuable historical document, but it is also a powerful and inspiring book. It is a book that has been read and studied by Christians for centuries, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians today.

Insights into early Christian church

The Gospel of Matthew provides a number of insights into the early Christian church.

• The apostles and other early leaders: The Gospel of Matthew mentions many of the apostles and other early leaders of the Christian church. These include Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. The Gospel also mentions other early leaders of the church, such as Mary Magdalene and Joanna.
• The spread of Christianity: The Gospel of Matthew records the events that led to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. It describes the persecution of the early Christians by the Jewish authorities, and it records the missionary journeys of the apostles. The Gospel also mentions the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, which was a significant event in the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles.
• The beliefs and practices of the early Christians: The Gospel of Matthew provides insights into the beliefs and practices of the early Christians. It records Jesus' teachings on a variety of topics, including the Kingdom of God, righteousness, forgiveness, and love. The Gospel also describes the early Christian community in Jerusalem, and it mentions some of the practices of the early Christians, such as baptism and the Lord's Supper.
• The challenges facing the early Christian church: The Gospel of Matthew also mentions some of the challenges facing the early Christian church. These challenges included persecution from the Jewish authorities and from the Roman government. The Gospel also mentions the threat of false teachers and the need for the early Christians to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus.

The Gospel of Matthew is a valuable source of information about the early Christian church. It provides insights into the beliefs, practices, and challenges of the early Christians. This information is invaluable for understanding the origins of Christianity and the development of Christian doctrine.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the book "What is the First Book of the New Testament?":

Question 1: What is the first book of the New Testament?
Answer 1: The first book of the New Testament is the Gospel of Matthew.

Question 2: Who wrote the Gospel of Matthew?
Answer 2: The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve closest followers.

Question 3: When was the Gospel of Matthew written?
Answer 3: The Gospel of Matthew was probably written between 80 and 90 AD.

Question 4: What is the genre of the Gospel of Matthew?
Answer 4: The Gospel of Matthew is a narrative that tells the story of Jesus' life and teachings.

Question 5: What is the content of the Gospel of Matthew?
Answer 5: The Gospel of Matthew includes accounts of Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. It also includes many of Jesus' teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer.

Question 6: Why is the Gospel of Matthew important for Christians?
Answer 6: The Gospel of Matthew is important for Christians because it provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings. It is also a valuable historical document and a source of inspiration and guidance.

Question 7: What are some of the insights that the Gospel of Matthew provides into the early Christian church?
Answer 7: The Gospel of Matthew provides insights into the beliefs, practices, and challenges of the early Christian church. It mentions the apostles and other early leaders, the spread of Christianity, and the challenges facing the early Christians.

Question 8: What are some of the unique features of the Gospel of Matthew?
Answer 8: Some of the unique features of the Gospel of Matthew include the Sermon on the Mount, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and the account of the wise men visiting Jesus.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the book "What is the First Book of the New Testament?" I hope this information has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few tips for getting the most out of the book "What is the First Book of the New Testament?":

Tips

Here are a few practical tips for getting the most out of the book "What is the First Book of the New Testament?":

Tip 1: Read the book carefully and thoughtfully. This book is not meant to be skimmed or read quickly. Take your time and savor each chapter. Pay attention to the details and reflect on the meaning of the text.

Tip 2: Use a study Bible or commentary. A study Bible or commentary can provide helpful insights into the text. These resources can explain the historical and cultural context of the book, and they can help you to understand the meaning of difficult passages.

Tip 3: Discuss the book with others. Talking about the book with others can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the text. You can discuss the book with friends, family members, or members of your church or Bible study group.

Tip 4: Apply the book's teachings to your own life. The Gospel of Matthew is not just a historical document. It is also a book that is meant to challenge and inspire Christians. As you read the book, think about how you can apply its teachings to your own life.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can get the most out of the book "What is the First Book of the New Testament?" This book is a valuable resource for Christians who want to learn more about Jesus Christ and his teachings.

The Gospel of Matthew is a book that has been read and studied by Christians for centuries. It is a book that continues to inspire and challenge Christians today. If you are looking for a book that will help you to grow in your faith, I encourage you to read the Gospel of Matthew.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the most important books in Christianity. It is a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings, and it provides valuable insights into the early Christian church. The Gospel of Matthew is a book that has been read and studied by Christians for centuries, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for believers today.

In this article, we have explored the following main points about the Gospel of Matthew:

• The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve closest followers.
• It was probably written between 80 and 90 AD.
• The Gospel of Matthew is a narrative that tells the story of Jesus' life and teachings.
• It includes accounts of Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection.
• The Gospel of Matthew is important for Christians because it provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and teachings, it is a valuable historical document, and it is a source of inspiration and guidance.

The Gospel of Matthew is a book that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a new Christian or a lifelong believer, you can find something in the Gospel of Matthew to challenge and inspire you. I encourage you to read the Gospel of Matthew and to let its teachings transform your life.