The Gospel of Matthew in Church Slavonic and in the Synodal translation. Full text of the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew (Greek: Ευαγγέλιον κατά Μαθθαίον or Ματθαίον) is the first book of the New Testament and the first of the four canonical gospels. It is traditionally followed by the gospels of Mark, Luke and John.

The main theme of the Gospel is the life and preaching of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The peculiarities of the Gospel stem from the book’s intended use for a Jewish audience - the Gospel contains frequent references to Messianic prophecies Old Testament, with the purpose of showing the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus Christ.

The Gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, going in an ascending line from Abraham to Joseph the Betrothed, the named husband of the Virgin Mary. This genealogy, the similar genealogy in the Gospel of Luke, and their differences from each other have been the subject of much study by historians and biblical scholars.

Chapters five through seven provide the most complete exposition of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, laying out the quintessence of Christian teaching, including the Beatitudes (5:2-11) and the Lord's Prayer (6:9-13).

The evangelist sets out the speeches and deeds of the Savior in three sections corresponding to the three sides of the Messiah’s ministry: as Prophet and Lawgiver (chap. 5 - 7), King over the visible and invisible world (chap. 8 - 25) and High Priest sacrificing himself for sins all people (chap. 26 - 27).

Only the Gospel of Matthew mentions the healing of two blind men (9:27-31), a mute demoniac (9:32-33), as well as an episode with a coin in the mouth of a fish (17:24-27). Only in this Gospel are there parables about the tares (13:24), about the treasure in the field (13:44), about the pearl of great price (13:45), about the net (13:47), about the unmerciful lender (18:23), about the workers in the vineyard (20:1), about the two sons (21:28), about the wedding feast (22:2), about the ten virgins (25:1), about the talents (25:31).

Genealogy of Jesus Christ (1:1-17)
Nativity of Christ (1:18-12)
Flight to Egypt of the Holy Family and return to Nazareth (2:13-23)
The Preaching of John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus (chapter 3)
The Temptation of Christ in the Wilderness (4:1-11)
Jesus comes to Galilee. The beginning of the sermon and the calling of the first disciples (4:12-25)
Sermon on the Mount (5-7)
Miracles and preaching in Galilee (8-9)
The calling of the 12 apostles and their instructions for preaching (10)
Miracles and parables of Christ. Sermon in Galilee and surrounding lands (11-16)
Transfiguration of the Lord (17:1-9)
New parables and healings (17:10-18)
Jesus goes from Galilee to Judea. Parables and miracles (19-20)
Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (21:1-10)
Sermon in Jerusalem (21:11-22)
Refutation of the Pharisees (23)
Jesus' Predictions about the Destruction of Jerusalem, His Second Coming, and the Rapture of the Church (24)
Proverbs (25)
Jesus' anointing with chrism (26:1-13)
Last Supper (26:14-35)
Gethsemane Controversy, Arrest and Trial (26:36-75)
Christ before Pilate (27:1-26)
Crucifixion and burial (27:27-66)
Appearances of the Risen Christ (28)

Church tradition

Although all the Gospels (and Acts) are anonymous texts, and the authors of these texts are unknown, ancient church tradition considers the apostle Matthew, a tax collector who followed Jesus Christ, to be anonymous (9:9, 10:3). This tradition is attested by a church historian of the 4th century. Eusebius of Caesarea, who reports the following:

Matthew originally preached to the Jews; having gathered to other nations, he handed them his Gospel, written in their native language. Recalled from them, he left them his Scripture in return.

Eusebius of Caesarea, Church history, III, 24, 6

Quoted by the same Eusebius, a Christian writer of the first half of the 2nd century. Papias of Hierapolis reports that

Matthew recorded Jesus' conversations in Hebrew and translated them as best he could.

Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, III, 39, 16

This legend was also known to St. Irenaeus of Lyons (II century):

Matthew issued to the Jews on their own language the writing of the Gospel while Peter and Paul preached the gospel in Rome and founded the Church

St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, III, 1, 1

Blessed Jerome of Stridon even claims that he had a chance to see the original Gospel of Matthew in Hebrew, which was in the Caesarea library, collected by the martyr Pamphilus.

In his lectures on the Gospel of Matthew, Bishop. Cassian (Bezobrazov) wrote: “For us, the question of the authenticity of the Gospel of Matthew is not of significant importance. We are interested in the writer because his personality and the conditions of his ministry can explain the writing of the book.”
Modern researchers

The text of the Gospel itself does not contain any indication of the identity of the author, and, according to most scholars, the Gospel of Matthew was not written by eyewitnesses. Due to the fact that the text of the Gospel itself does not contain the name of the author or any obvious indication of his identity, many modern researchers believe that the first of the four Gospels was written not by the Apostle Matthew, but by another author unknown to us. There is a two-source hypothesis, according to which the author of the Gospel of Matthew actively used material from the Gospel of Mark and the so-called source Q.

The text of the Gospel has undergone a number of changes over time; it is not possible to reconstruct the original text in our time.
Language

If we consider the testimony of the Church Fathers about the Hebrew language of the original Gospel to be true, then the Gospel of Matthew is the only book of the New Testament, the original of which was not written in Greek. However, the Hebrew (Aramaic) original is lost, the ancient one is included in the canon Greek translation The Gospels, mentioned by Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch and other Christian writers of antiquity.

Features of the language of the Gospel indicate the author as a Palestinian Jew; the Gospel contains a large number of Jewish phrases, the author assumes that readers are familiar with the area and Jewish customs. It is characteristic that in the list of apostles in the Gospel of Matthew (10:3) the name Matthew is marked with the word “publican” - probably this is a sign indicating the humility of the author, for tax collectors were deeply despised by the Jews.

The Gospel of Matthew was written at the end of the first century. The main leitmotif is the preaching and life of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The text contains a huge number of references to the Scriptures of the Old Testament.

The story begins with a listing of the Lord's genealogy. Thus, the writer shows the reader that the Lord is a descendant of Abraham and King David. The time for all the prophecies has come and they have been fulfilled.

Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew

In Orthodox theology there are various methods Bible interpretation. The most famous theological schools are Alexandrian and Antiochian. Many Holy Fathers interpreted the inspired text.

Among the famous interpreters: John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, Maximus the Confessor, Gregory the Theologian, Theodoret of Cyrus, Theophylact of Bulgaria.

Each of them found amazing things in Scripture and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, interpreted the text according to Orthodox theology and Sacred Tradition.

In the fifth century, the text was divided into chapters to make it easier to navigate. The Gospel of Matthew consists of 28 chapters. Very summary Each chapter is presented in the form of abstracts below.

Chapter 1

The reader becomes acquainted with the genealogy of the Lord. Next, the evangelist talks about Joseph’s reaction when righteous old man learned that the Blessed Virgin was pregnant. His desire to let go of the Most Pure One was stopped by an Angel. Having to go to Bethlehem for the census. Birth of the Infant God.

Chapter 2

The Magi discovered a star in the sky that foreshadowed the birth of the Savior of the world. It describes how they came to Herod with congratulations. The ruler of Judea wants to kill the born King.

The Magi bring gifts to the Infant God. The Lord reveals to the Magi the plan of the wicked ruler of Judea. Herod destroys children in Nazareth. Flight of the holy family to Egypt.

Chapter 3

Sermon of John the Baptist. Last Old Testament prophet calls for repentance. He points out to the Pharisees and Sadducees the need for moral purification. Repentance is not just a ritual, but a holistic change in the entire internal state. The Lord comes to John. The Forerunner is trying to refuse the Baptism of the Savior Himself. The word is that Jesus Himself will baptize with fire and spirit.

Chapter 4

After Baptism, the Lord retires to the desert, where he remains in fasting and prayer. A forty-day fast in the desert, which ends with the incredible exhaustion of the Savior. Temptations come from the Devil, who is trying to tempt Christ with the power of this world. The calling of the apostles. The first miracles, healings of sick, blind people.

Chapter 5

Pronunciation of the Sermon on the Mount. The perfection of the new moral law. A parable about the salt of the earth. The Lord calls not to be angry, to live in peace, to try not to offend or be offended. Try to pray for your enemies. Never swear by heaven, earth, or the name of God.

Chapter 6

Continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. Giving the Lord's Prayer. A lesson about the need for fasting and forgiveness of offenses.

The word is about the birds of the air, which neither sow nor reap, but the heavenly Father feeds them. The true treasure is not on earth, but in heaven. It is necessary to make a choice between earthly goods and faith in God.

Chapter 7

Continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. The Lord reveals to his listeners the perfect law, expressed in the Beatitudes. He says Christians are the salt of the earth. A word about the beam in one's own eye. Pronunciation of parables that had a huge influence on people.

Chapter 8

Many miracles of the Lord were performed by Him and described in sacred text. This chapter tells about the healing of a leper and talks about the faith of a Roman soldier. Control of the earth's elements, wind and sea. Jesus has nowhere to sleep, not a single house sheltered Him. The healing of the demoniac in Capernaum, the expulsion of Christ from the city.

Chapter 9

Temptation by the Pharisees and Sadducees, healing of a paralyzed man. Forgiveness of sins. Various parables. Sharing food with sinners is a response to lawyers. Resurrection of a dead girl. Healing of a woman who had suffered from an unknown disease for 40 years.

Chapter 10

The Lord gives his disciples power and sends them to preach. Instructs them to preach everywhere and not be afraid to go anywhere. Evangelism of the Gospel is a special work that should not be paid.

All hard work will be rewarded in heaven. The Lord also repeatedly says that the apostles will suffer a lot for preaching his teachings.

Chapter 11

John the Baptist sends his disciples to the Lord. Jesus Christ calls John a true prophet. After this, the Lord rebukes the proud. Reveals the teaching about the heavenly Jerusalem that infants and people who are struggling with their passions, sins and lust can go there. Proud people are deprived of the opportunity to go to heaven.

Chapter 12

God the Father does not need sacrifice. Instead, love and mercy should dominate. Teaching about the Sabbath. Parables and denunciations of the lawyers and other Jews. It is necessary to live not according to the law, but according to the call of the heart, according to the law of God's love. He talks about the sign of the prophet Jonah. The Lord says that the disciple John the Theologian will be taken to heaven, just like the Most Holy Theotokos.

Chapter 13

Parables need to be understood simply, because they speak about very complex things, in a language understandable to all people around them. A series of parables about wheat: tares, sowers, weeds. The doctrine of the Kingdom of Heaven is revealed. The Lord compares the word of the Good News to a grain that has fallen into the ground and begins to sprout.

Chapter 14

Herod seizes the prophet John the Baptist, puts him in prison, and then executes him. The Lord feeds many people with five loaves of bread.

Jesus Christ walks on the sea, the Apostle Peter wants to move on the sea on foot. However, after leaving the boat, Peter begins to drown. Convicting the apostles of lack of faith.

Chapter 15

Convicting the Jews of hardness of heart and deviation from the instructions of God. The Lord intercedes for the pagans. Repeatedly He points out that for the Pharisees and Sadducees the law became just a set of rules. It is necessary to fulfill the will of God not only externally, but also internally. He feeds 4,000 people and then performs many signs and wonders. Healing a man born blind.

Chapter 16

He begins to warn the apostles that He will soon be betrayed and crucified on the cross. The ardor of the Apostle Peter and praise from the Lord. The Apostle Peter will become the new foundation of the Church. Disciples need to remember the deceit of the Pharisees. Only those who follow the Savior to the end can save the soul.

Chapter 17

Casting out demons is possible only through fasting and prayer. Journey of Jesus Christ to Mount Tabor. Transfiguration. The apostles witness the miracle and run away in fear. The Lord forbids them to talk about what they saw and heard, but they still tell people, and word quickly spreads throughout Judea.

Chapter 18

It's better to lose a part of your body than to seduce someone. It is necessary to forgive a person who has sinned many times. A story about a king and a debtor. God the Father cares for every person. Nothing bad will ever happen to lovers of God and those who follow Him. Salvation of the soul - the main objective human life.

Chapter 19

Teaching about the life of the righteous. Blessing people to create families. Husband and wife are one flesh. Divorce is possible only if one of the spouses cheats. People's material well-being makes the path to God difficult. The people who follow Christ will judge with Him in heaven.

Chapter 20

The Lord tells a parable about the winegrower's workers who came to different time, but received the same salary. He tells His followers directly that He will be killed on the cross. Seeing hesitation in the disciples, He convicts them of lack of faith.

After this, Jesus Christ heals two blind people.

Chapter 21

The Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The joy of the people and the bitterness of the Savior. The teaching is about the need not only to speak, but also to do pious deeds. A story about the evil workers of a winegrower. The answer to the question - what is the main stone of God? It is necessary to fulfill the law not in words, but by doing good deeds.

Chapter 22

Jesus Christ tells the apostles about the Kingdom in heaven. It is necessary to separate the responsibilities of a believer and a citizen of the country. The answer to the question: to Caesar - what is Caesar's, to God - what is God's. Man has a mortal nature and therefore must always be ready to stand before the judgment of God. People don’t come to a wedding in dirty clothes; you also need to prepare your soul by cleansing it to stand before the Lord.

Chapter 23

All apostles are brothers; there is no need to try to stand out from everyone else and then command. It is necessary to have a righteous court, give alms and believe in God. Inner beauty is more important. The Jews should not be arrogant and proud that they were chosen by God the Father, because they have the blood of the prophets on them, whom they mercilessly killed.

Chapter 24

You must always be prepared for death. The Lord reveals to the apostles that the end of the World is already near. Soon the earth will plunge into darkness, the sun will darken, there will be epidemics, the earth will stop bearing fruit and yielding crops. Animals will begin to die, rivers will dry up. Terrible wars will begin, people will turn into wild animals.

Chapter 25

A parable about smart maidens. All good people will be rewarded. The Lord told his followers a parable about a good and a bad servant. A good, conscientious slave will be rewarded according to his merits, and an unscrupulous worker who evades his obligations will be very severely punished.

Chapter 26

Establishment of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Betrayal of Judas. Journey to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayer for the Cup. Taking Christ into custody. The Apostle Peter defends Jesus Christ and attacks one of the High Priest's servants. Christ heals the victim and orders the disciples to lay down their arms.

Chapter 27

Pilate's trial. The speech of Pontius and the choice of the people of Barrabas. The scourging of Jesus Christ. Iscariot comes to the high priests and returns the money, but they refuse to take it back. Suicide of Judas.

Crucifixion of the Lord. Two thieves on crosses and the repentance of one of them. Burial of Jesus Christ. Security at the tomb.

Chapter 28

Resurrection. The soldiers guarding the coffin fled in fear. The myrrh-bearing women go to the burial place to anoint the body of the Lord with incense. An angel announces a miracle to Mary. At first, the disciples do not believe in the miraculous uprising of the Teacher. The apostles saw the Savior. Unbeliever Thomas. Ascension of the Lord.

Conclusion

The Scriptures indicate the major milestones in the life of Christ. Reading the Good News is possible in Russian thanks to the Synodal translation.

You can read the Gospel of Matthew online in Russian here http://www.biblioteka3.ru/biblioteka/biblija/ev_matf/index.html. Reading the Holy Scriptures is very important for every Christian and is mandatory for him.

The famous Serbian canon law researcher Bishop Nikodim (Milash) wrote the following in his interpretation of the 19th canon of the VI Ecumenical Council: “St. Scripture is the word of God, revealing to people the will of God...” And Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) said:

“...Read the Gospel with extreme reverence and attention. Do not consider anything in it unimportant or unworthy of consideration. Every iota of it emits a ray of life. Neglect of life is death.”

One author wrote about the Small Entrance at the Liturgy: “The Gospel is here a symbol of Christ. The Lord appeared into the world physically, in person. He comes out to preach, to His earthly ministry and is here among us. A terrible and majestic action is taking place - among us, visibly and palpably - God. The holy angels of heaven freeze in awe at this sight. And you, man, taste this great mystery and bow your head before it.”

Based on the above, you need to understand that Holy Gospel- the main book of humanity, which contains life for people. It contains Divine truths that lead us to salvation. And it itself is the source of life - a word truly filled with the power and wisdom of the Lord.

The Gospel is the voice of Christ himself. In a symbolic and spiritual sense, when reading the Gospel, the Savior speaks to us. It is as if we are transported in time to the flowering plains of Galilee and become eyewitnesses of the incarnate God of the Word. And He speaks not only universally and timelessly, in general, but also specifically to each of us. The Gospel is not just a book. This is life for us, it is a spring of living water and a source of life. It is both the Law of God, given to humanity for salvation, and the Mystery of this salvation being accomplished. When reading the Gospel, the human soul unites with God and is resurrected in Him.

It is no coincidence that the word “evangelos” is translated from Greek as “good news.” This means that by the grace of the Holy Spirit, a new message of truth was revealed in the world: God came to Earth to save humanity, and “God became Man so that man could become God,” as St. Athanasius of Alexandria said in the 4th century. The Lord reconciled with the man, He healed him again and opened the way for him to the Kingdom of Heaven.

And by reading or listening to the Gospel, we stand on this heavenly vertical road and walk along it to heaven. That's what the Gospel is.

Therefore it is very important to read New Testament every day. On the advice of the Holy Fathers, we need to include the reading of the Holy Gospel and the “Apostle” (the Acts of the Holy Apostles, the Council Epistles of the Apostles and the fourteen Epistles of the Holy Supreme Apostle Paul) in our cell (home) prayer rule. The following sequence is usually recommended: two chapters of the Apostle (some read one chapter) and one chapter of the Gospel per day.

In my opinion, based on personal experience, I would like to say that it is more convenient to read the Holy Scriptures in order, that is, from the first chapters to the last, and then return. Then a person will form a holistic picture of the Gospel narrative, a feeling and understanding of its continuity and cause-and-effect relationships.

It is also necessary that reading the Gospel should not be like reading fictional literature of the “leg by leg, sitting comfortably in a chair” type. Still, this should be a prayerful home liturgical act.

Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy, in his book “The Law of God,” recommends reading the Holy Scriptures while standing, crossing himself once before reading and three times after.

There are special prayers said before and after reading the New Testament.

“Shine in our hearts, O Lord who loves mankind, the imperishable light of Your knowledge of God, and open our mental eyes, our understanding in Your gospel sermons, put fear in us and in Your blessed commandments, so that all carnal lusts may be trampled, we will pass through spiritual life, even to please Yours in both wisdom and action. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and We send up glory to You, with Your Originless Father and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen". It is read secretly by the priest during Divine Liturgy before reading the Holy Gospel. It is also placed after the 11th kathisma of the Psalter.

Prayer of St. John Chrysostom: “Lord Jesus Christ, open the ears of my heart to hear Your word, and to understand and do Your will, as I am a stranger on earth: do not hide Your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may understand the wonders of Your law; tell me the unknown and secret wisdom of Yours. I trust in You, my God, may you enlighten my mind and meaning with the light of Your mind, not only to honor what is written, but also to create, so that I may not read the lives and words of the saints as a sin, but for renewal, and enlightenment, and for holiness, and for salvation of the soul, and an inheritance of eternal life. For You are the One who enlightens those who lie in darkness, and from You comes every good gift and every perfect gift. Amen".

The prayer of St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov), read before and after reading the Holy Scriptures: “Save, O Lord, and have mercy on Thy servants (names) in the words of the Divine Gospel, which are about the salvation of Thy servant. The thorns of all their sins have fallen, Lord, and may Thy grace dwell in them, scorching, cleansing, sanctifying the whole person in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

Regarding the latter, I will add from myself that it is also read with the addition of a chapter from the Holy Gospel in some kind of sorrow or trouble. I have learned from my own experience that it helps a lot. And the merciful Lord delivers from all kinds of situations and troubles. Some fathers recommend reading this prayer with the Gospel chapter every day.

This is “Conversations on the Gospel of Matthew” by St. John Chrysostom; interpretation of the Gospel Blessed Theophylact Bulgarian; “Interpretation of the Gospel” by B. I. Gladkov, highly appreciated by the saint righteous John Kronstadt; works of Archbishop Averky (Taushev), Metropolitan Veniamin (Pushkar), Explanatory Bible of the Old and New Testaments by Alexander Lopukhin, other works.
Let us fall, brothers and sisters, with our hearts “hungering and thirsting for righteousness,” to the pure, life-giving spring of the Holy Scriptures. Without it, the soul is doomed to wither and spiritual death. With him she blossoms, like a flower of paradise, filled with verbal life-giving moisture, worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I. Presentation of the King (1:1 - 4:11)

A. His genealogy (1:1-17) (Luke 3:23-28)

Matt. 1:1. From the first words of his Gospel, Matthew declares its central theme and main character. This is Jesus Christ, and already at the beginning of the narrative the evangelist traces His direct connection with the two main covenants concluded by God with Israel: His covenant with David (2 Sam. 7) and the covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:15). Were these covenants fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, and is He the promised “seed?” These questions should have arisen among the Jews first of all, and that is why Matthew examines His genealogy in such detail.

Matt. 1:2-17. Matthew gives the genealogy of Jesus according to His official father, that is, according to Joseph (verse 16). It determines His right to the throne of King David through Solomon and his descendants (verse 6). Of particular interest is the inclusion in the genealogy of King Jehoiachin (verse 11), about whom Jeremiah says: “Record this man as having no children” (Jer. 22:30). Jeremiah's prophecy, however, referred to Jehoiachin's occupation of the throne (and God's blessing upon his reign) in his day. Although Jehoiachin's sons never took the throne, the "royal line" continued through them.

However, if Jesus had been a physical descendant of Jehoiachin, He could not have taken the throne of David. But from the genealogy given by Luke, it follows that physically Jesus descended from another son of David, namely from Nathan (Luke 3:31). Again, since Joseph, the official father of Jesus, was a descendant of Solomon, Jesus was entitled to the throne of David through Joseph's line.

Matthew traces Joseph's lineage to Jeconiah through his son Shealtiel and grandson Zerubbabel (Matt. 1:12). Luke (3:27) also mentions Shealtiel, the father of Zerubbabel, but in the genealogy of Mary. Does the genealogy offered by Luke then indicate that Jesus was after all a physical descendant of Jehoiachin? - No, because, apparently, Luke means other people who bore the same names. For Luke's Shealtiel is the son of Neriah, and Matthew's Shealtiel is the son of Jehoiachin.

Another interesting fact in Matthew's genealogical excursion is his inclusion of four Old Testament female names: Tamar (Matt. 1:3), Rahab (verse 5), Ruth (verse 5) and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother (the latter is named after her husband - Uriah). The right to include these women, as well as a number of men, in the genealogy of Christ is in some sense questionable.

After all, Tamar and Rahab (Rahab) were harlots (Gen. 38:24; Joshua 2:1), Ruth was a pagan Moabite (Ruth. 1:4), and Bathsheba was guilty of adultery (2 Sam. 11 :2-5). Perhaps Matthew included these women in his genealogy to emphasize that God chooses people according to His will and mercy. But perhaps the evangelist wanted to remind the Jews of things that would diminish their pride.

When the name of the fifth woman, Mary, appears in the genealogy (Matt. 1:16), some significant change occurs. Until verse 16, in all cases it is repeated that so-and-so begat so-and-so. When it comes to Mary, it is said: from whom Jesus was born. This clearly indicates that Jesus was physical child Mary, but not Joseph. The miraculous conception and birth is described in 1:18-25.

Matthew obviously does not list all the links in the genealogical chain between Abraham and David (verses 2-6), between David and the exile in Babylon (verses 6-11), and between the exile and the birth of Jesus (verses 12-16). He only names 14 generations in each of these time periods (verse 17). According to Jewish tradition, there was no requirement to list each name in the genealogy. But why does Matthew name exactly 14 names in each period?

Perhaps the best explanation lies in the fact that, according to Jewish meaning numbers, the name "David" is reduced to the number "14". It should be noted that in the period of time from the migration to Babylon to the birth of Jesus (verses 12-16) we see only 13 new names. Many theologians believe in this regard that the name of Jehoiachin, being repeated twice (verses 11 and 12), precisely “complements” the names listed in this period to “14”.

The genealogy offered by Matthew answers an important question that the Jews might rightfully ask regarding the One who would claim the throne of King of the Jews: “Is He really the legitimate descendant and heir of King David?” - Matthew answers: “Yes!”

B. His coming (1:18 - 2:23) (Luke 2:1-7)

1. HIS ORIGIN (1:18-23)

Matt. 1:18-23. The fact that Jesus was the son of Mary alone, as appears from the genealogy (verse 16), requires further explanation. To better understand what Matthew said, we need to look at Hebrew marriage customs. Marriages were concluded in that environment by registration marriage contract parents of the bride and groom. Once they reached a mutual agreement, the bride and groom became husband and wife in the eyes of society. But they didn't live together. The girl continued to live with her parents, and her “husband” with his, for a whole year.

The purpose of this “waiting period” was to prove the bride’s commitment to the vow of purity. If she had been pregnant during this period of time, the proof of her impurity and possible physical infidelity to her husband would have been obvious. In this case, the marriage could be dissolved. If the year-long wait confirmed the bride’s purity, the groom came for her to her parents’ house and took her to his home in a solemn procession. Only then did they begin their life together, and their marriage became a physical reality. When reading Matthew's account, all this must be kept in mind.

Mary and Joseph were just in this year-long waiting period when it turned out that she was pregnant. Meanwhile, there was no physical intimacy between them, and Mary remained faithful to Joseph (verses 20,23). Although Joseph's feelings on this matter are not stated, it is not difficult to imagine how much he was upset.

After all, he loved Maria, and suddenly it turned out that she was not pregnant from him. Joseph showed his love for her in action. He decided not to raise a scandal and not to take his bride to trial before the elders at the city gates. If he had done this, Mary would most likely have been stoned to death (Deut. 22:23-24). Instead, Joseph decided to release her secretly.

And then the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream (compare Matt. 2:13,19,22) and told him that what was born in her was from the Holy Spirit (1:20 compare with 1:18).

The child in Mary's womb was completely an unusual child; The angel commanded Joseph to give the name Jesus to the son she would give birth to, for He would save His people from their sins. These words were meant to remind Joseph of God's promise of salvation for the people through the New Testament (Jer. 31:31-37). The angel, not named here by name, also made it clear to Joseph that all this would happen in accordance with Scripture, since 700 years earlier the prophet Isaiah declared: “Behold, a virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son...” (Matt. 1: 23; Isa. 7:14).

Although Old Testament scholars still debate whether the Hebrew word alma, used by the prophet Isaiah, should be translated as “virgin” or “young woman,” God has clearly shown that it was a “maiden” that was being referred to. ". The Holy Spirit inspired the translators of the Old Testament into Greek (Septuagint) to use the word parthenos, which means “maiden”, “virgin”. Mary's miraculous conception of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, and her Son appeared as the true Immanuel (which means: God is with us).

After receiving the revelation, Joseph removed his feelings of uncertainty and fear and took Mary into his home (Matt. 1:20). Perhaps rumors and gossip began to spread among the neighbors, but Joseph knew what really happened and what the will of God was in relation to him personally.

2. HIS BIRTH (1:24-25)

Matt. 1:24-25. So, when Joseph woke up from this dream, he obeyed what he was told. In violation of tradition, he immediately accepted Mary into his home, without waiting for the one-year period of “betrothal” to end. He probably assumed what would be best for her in her situation. He accepted her as his wife and began to take care of her. However, he did not enter into marital relations with her until she gave birth to her first-born Son.

Matthew limits himself to only reporting the birth of the Child and the fact that they gave Him the name Jesus. Luke, a doctor by profession (Col. 4:14), speaks in a little more detail about the birth of the Son (Luke 2:1-17).

Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 1 Genealogy of Jesus Christ from Joseph to Abraham. Joseph, at first, did not want to live with Mary because of her unexpected pregnancy, but he obeyed the Angel. Jesus was born to them. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 2 The Magi saw in the sky the star of the birth of the king's son, and came to congratulate Herod. But they were sent to Bethlehem, where they presented gold, incense, and oil to Jesus. Herod killed the babies, and Jesus escaped in Egypt. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 3 John the Baptist does not allow the Pharisees to wash, because... For repentance, deeds are important, not words. Jesus asks Him to baptize, John, at first, refuses. Jesus Himself will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 4 The devil tempts Jesus in the desert: to make bread out of a stone, to jump off a roof, to worship for money. Jesus refused and began to preach, call the first apostles, and heal the sick. Became famous. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 5 Sermon on the Mount: 9 Beatitudes, you are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. Don't break the law. Do not be angry, make peace, do not be tempted, do not get divorced, do not swear, do not fight, help, love your enemies. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 6 Sermon on the Mount: about secret almsgiving and the Lord’s Prayer. About fasting and forgiveness. True Treasure in Heaven. The eye is a lamp. Either God or wealth. God knows about the need for food and clothing. Seek the truth. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 7 Sermon on the Mount: take the beam out of your eye, do not throw pearls. Seek and you will find. Do to others as you do to yourself. The tree bears fruit well, and people will enter Heaven on business. Build a house on a rock - taught with authority. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 8 Healing the leper, Peter's mother-in-law. Military faith. Jesus has no place to sleep. The way the dead bury themselves. The wind and sea obey Jesus. Healing the possessed. The pigs are drowned by demons, and the livestock farmers are unhappy. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 9 Is it easier to tell a paralyzed person to walk or to forgive his sins? Jesus eats with sinners, fasts later. About containers for wine, clothing repair. Resurrection of the Maiden. Healing the bleeding, the blind, the dumb. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 10 Jesus sends 12 apostles to preach and heal freely, in exchange for food and lodging. You will be judged, Jesus will be called the devil. Save yourself with patience. Walk everywhere. There are no secrets. God will watch over you and reward you. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 11 John asks about the Messiah. Jesus praises John for being greater than a prophet, but lesser with God. Heaven is reached by effort. To eat or not to eat? A reproach to the cities. God is open to babies and workers. Light burden. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 12 God wants mercy and goodness, not sacrifice. You can heal on Saturday - it is not from the devil. Do not blaspheme the Spirit; words provide justification. Good from the heart. The Sign of Jonah. The hope of the nations is in Jesus, His mother is the disciples. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 13 About the sower: people are as productive as grain. Parables are easier to understand. The weeds will be separated from the wheat later. The Kingdom of Heaven grows like grain, rises like leaven, is profitable like treasure and pearls, like a net with fish. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 14 Herod cut off the head of John the Baptist at the request of his wife and daughter. Jesus healed the sick and fed 5,000 hungry people with five loaves of bread and two fish. At night Jesus went to the boat on the water, and Peter wanted to do the same. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 15 The disciples do not wash their hands, and the Pharisees do not follow their words, thus the blind guides become defiled. It is a bad gift to give to God instead of a gift to parents. Dogs eat crumbs - heal your daughter. He treated and fed 4000 with 7 loaves of bread and fish. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 16 Pink sunset marks clear weather. Avoid the wickedness of the Pharisees. Jesus is the Christ, he will be killed and rise again. Church on Peter the Stone. By following Christ to death, you will save your soul, you will be rewarded according to your deeds. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 17 Transfiguration of Jesus. John the Baptist - like the prophet Elijah. Demons are cast out by prayer and fasting, the youth is healed. Need to believe. Jesus will be killed, but will rise again. They take taxes from strangers, but it’s easier to pay for the Temple. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 18 He who is humbled like a child is greater in Heaven. Woe to the seducer, it is better to be without an arm, a leg and an eye. It is not God's will to perish. Farewell to the obedient 7x70 times. Jesus is among the two asking. Parable of the Evil Debtor. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 19 Divorce only if there is infidelity, because... one flesh. You won't be able to not get married. Let the children come. God alone is good. Righteous - give away your property. It is difficult for a rich person to go to God. Those who follow Jesus will sit in judgment. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 20 Parable: they worked differently, but were paid the same because of bonuses. Jesus will be crucified, but will be resurrected, and who will sit on the sides depends on God. Don't dominate, but serve like Jesus. Healing 2 blind people. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 21 Entry into Jerusalem, Hosanna to Jesus. Expulsion of traders from the Temple. Speak in faith. John's Baptism from Heaven? They do it not in words, but in deeds. A parable about the punishment of evil winegrowers. The main stone of God. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 22 For the Kingdom of Heaven, as for a wedding, dress up, don’t be late, and behave with dignity. Caesar minted coins - return part, and God - God's. There is no registry office in Heaven. God is among the living. Love God and your neighbor. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 23 Do what your bosses tell you, but don’t take your example from them, hypocrites. You are brothers, do not be proud. The temple is more valuable than gold. Judgment, mercy, faith. It's beautiful on the outside, but bad on the inside. The people of Jerusalem bear the blood of the prophets. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 24 When the end of the world is not clear, but you will understand: the sun will be eclipsed, signs in the sky, there is the Gospel. Before that: wars, devastation, famine, disease, impostors. Prepare, hide and save yourself. Do everything right. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 25 5 smart girls made it to the wedding, but the others didn’t. The cunning slave was punished for 0 income, and the profitable ones were increased. The king will punish the goats and reward the righteous sheep for their good guesses: they fed, clothed, and visited. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 26 Valuable oil for Jesus, the poor will wait. Judas hired himself to betray. Last Supper, Body and Blood. Bogomolye on the mountain. Judas kisses, Jesus is arrested. Peter fought with a knife, but denied. Jesus was convicted of blasphemy. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 27 Judas repented, quarreled and hanged himself. At Pilate's trial, Jesus' crucifixion was questionable, but the people took the blame: the King of the Jews. Signs and death of Jesus. Funeral in a cave, entrance guarded, sealed. Gospel of Matthew. Matt. Chapter 28 On Sunday, a sparkling Angel scared the guards, opened the cave, told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead and would appear soon. The guards were taught: you fell asleep, the body was stolen. Jesus ordered the nations to be taught and baptized.