THE BOOK OF MATTHEW CHAPTER ONE

Verse 1 – The book of the generation of Jesus Christ signifies the book of origin or the book of genealogy.  The word (book) is not to be in reference to the whole book of Matthew but rather the genealogy listings here.  The book of the generations was also noted in Genesis 5:1, Genesis 37:2, and Numbers 3:1.

Verses 2-5 – The generations listed from the direct bloodline of Abraham through Jesse.  Jesus was a descendent of the Tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:14). 

Verses 6-17 – 14 Generations are listed to signify the three major periods of Israel’s national History (theocracy, monarchy, and hierarchy).  David is set apart in verse 6 known as the King (could be because of prophecies of Christ sitting on his throne (Isaiah 9:7) fulfilled in Luke 1:32-33.

Verse 18 – Matthew begins his account with the pregnancy of Christ omitting the Angelic visit that Mary had.  This verse indicates that Joseph and Mary had not at this time been wed or had they a physical relationship.

Verse 19 – Joseph being a just man knew that he had to put Mary in a place where she would not be a public example.  Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  (Luke 1:31-35) gives account of the Angel coming unto her.  From the time she was engaged she would have been called an adulterer (Deut. 22:23-24).

Verses 20-25 angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream and told him to fear not and to take Mary as a wife as she conceived of the Spirit.   (Isaiah 7:14) to be born of a virgin.  He would save the world from iniquities (Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:6-8, John 3:16-17).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 2

Verses 1-12 The birth of Christ is signified with the events of the wise men from the star, Herod being troubled over the King of the Jews. Then quoted in v.6 from Micah 5:2 and from Isaiah 9:6.  These quotes indicate as Matthew records that he is the King and the Government will be upon his shoulder.  Bethlehem means “house of bread”.  Jesus was known as the bread of life (John 6:35).  Christ being the King was brought not only in his first years but also at the ending of his life.  Christ is asked if he is the King of the Jews, (Matthew 27:11), mocked him (Matthew 27:29), and put a superscription above him on the cross (Matthew 27:37). 

3 wise men, cannot be properly determined.  These men were called MAGI.  MAGI means The study of medicine, astrology, and human nature.  Some sects considered these men to be priest.  They came from the east probably Arabia, Persia, Chaldea, or Parthia and the provinces adjacent to Palestine.  Daniel in Daniel 2:48 had oversight of these wise men in Babylon. 

Verses 13 – 23
The flight to Egypt had to occur to protect Christ v. 13.  V 15 states that Out of Egypt I called my son.  This was prophesied in (Hosea 11:1).  Rachel weeping was prophesied in (Jeremiah 31:15).   The fact that Jesus would be a Nazarene was prophesied in (Judges 13:5). 
 
 
 
 

MATTHEW CHAPTER 4

The temptation of Jesus v 1-11
Fasted 40 days –shows strength and discipline

I Samuel 15:29 – Christ cannot sin

V4
The first temptation Christ quotes Deuteronomy 8:3

V6
Psalms 91:11-12 Satan speaks of but fails to look at V13 where the dragon shall be trampled under feet.

V7
Christ replied with Deuteronomy 6:16

V10
Christ replies by Deuteronomy 6:13

V11
James 4:7 resist Satan and he will flee,   Christ could call angels Matthew 26:53, 

V12
Matthew 14:1-12 The story of John in prison and his death.

V15-16
Isaiah 9:1-2 Prophesy of Christ being the great light

V17
Again as in Matthew 3:2 Repent for the Kingdom is at hand.
We also see Matthew 10:7 Christ telling them to say that the Kingdom is at hand.
What is the Kingdom?  The Church Colossians 1:13,18, and  Matthew 16:18 tie them together.  It is the most simple way.

V18-22
Peter, Andrew, James and John asked to be fishers of men.

V23-25
Jesus preached to multitudes and his fame grew.
 
 
 
 

Matthew Chapter 5
 

THE BEATITUDES V. 3-12

Jesus takes time here at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to teach the attitudes and inner heart feelings of those that would be in the Kingdom the Church.  See the Book of Psalms Chapter 1 – this book starts with attitudes as well.
Keep in mind that blessed means “happy”.

V1-2
There were multitudes of listeners therefore Christ had to be on a Mount that he would be heard by all.  His disciples were present.

V3-12
(3) The poor in Spirit will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.  The humble – those who humble themselves to the power of the blood.  We must always be humble and not too proud (Mark 7:20-23, and Romans 1:28-32).

(4) They that mourn will be comforted.  Those mourning are promised that mourning will cease.  (Revelations 21:4)  NO TEARS.

(5) The meek shall inherit the Earth.  Not only will the meek (Humbled) inherit the heaven but will enjoy the Church as well.

(6) Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  (Psalms 107:9) 

(7) Merciful for they shall obtain mercy.  (Matthew 18:21-35)

(8) The pure in heart will see God.  (Ephesians 4:24)  To put on a new man. 

(9) The peacemakers will be called the children of God.  (Romans 5:1)

(10) Those who live  Godly and are persecuted for righteousness sake theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.  (II Timothy 3:12)

(11) Warning of slander is handled here as well.

(12) At the end of this section Christ reminds of the award of a pure heart.

(13) The salt of the Earth.  We must keep fresh, we must not loose the flavor.

(14-16) The light of the world that cannot be hid.  (John 15:8)  Please the Father and bear fruit.

(17-20) Christ has come to fulfill the Old Law.  (Isaiah 53:5 and fulfilled Romans 5:6-8)
(21-26) Christ increases thou shall not kill (Exodus 20:13) to Not to be angry with thy brother.  Here we find that the heart and actions are both judgeable therefore we must show care at what we do.

(27-30) Adultery is now also put to the heart and taken from just the act. 

(31-32) Divorce is made clearly not acceptable.  It had been said in Old (Deuteronomy 24:1-5)

(33-37) Do not take oaths but answer only yes or no. 

(38-48) Love your enemies.  WOW!!!!  Eye for an eye was old law (Exodus 21:24).  To turn the other cheek is to fight evil with good (Romans 12:21).  Not to fight a law suit because there will be a final judgement in which the right and wrong will be seperated.  Love your enemies not only your neighbor.  Rise above expectations and win the battle by overcoming what you enemies would have you not do. In verse 48 we are told to be perfect and we know that this is not possible as we are told we all will sin and come short of the glory of God.
 
 
 
 

MATTHEW CHAPTER SIX
 

Verses 1-4
Almsgiving – in verse one should be translated righteousness instead of alms giving the missed impression that this means money to some.  See ASV 1901.  Greek word dikaiosune. 

V1 – Do not do righteousness before men to get the glory, and if you do the reward in heaven is not yours.
V2 – Alms is eleemosune – mercy, pity- especially in giving alms.  Here it is in reference to giving to those in need.  Notice also that when this is done you are not to make it known.  Men do not make the deed good when they do it for glory.  All Glory is to God.
V3 – Let not the left hand know what the right hand does.  This is saying that your actions of kindness should not be thought about but a reaction.
V4 – Here we are reminded that God sees all and our rewards are done in the open.

Verses 5-15 Prayer

V5 – Here again we are reminded that public appearance does not make the act proper.  While praying in public is not a sin (Acts 12:12), you should do it in a proper manner and not just for attention.
V6 – Pray in a closet, is often judged that open prayer is not authorized.  Yet Christ here is teaching that your reward is for your prayer and if that means going in secret do so.
V7,8 – When praying do not do the same prayer.  God knows what we need and we must go to him who has knowledge and ask properly.
V9 – A sample prayer is started.  Yet remember this would be a sample since you are not to pray repetitively the same words.  It starts to the Father in heaven, and is done humbly. 
V10 – The prayer for the kingdom to come.  Yet today we cannot pray the kingdom come for it is here.  (Colossians 1:13)  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
V11 – Give us our daily bread, a need for survival.
V12 – Forgive us our debts (sins).
V13 – Keep from temptation and deliver us from evil.  (James 1:13-14)  States that God does not tempt us, but rather he can help us through his providence.
V14&15 – Remind us that we must have a heart of forgiveness as we learned in chapter 5.  Our sins cannot be forgiven if we do not forgive others.

Verses 16-18 Teachings on fasting

Fasting here in reference to the Mosaic Law (Lev. 16:29).  When it is done the same as prayer and giving of alms is to be done to the glory of God and not man.  They were to coat their faces to hide what they were doing so that this would be private between them and God.

Verses 19-21 Teaching of giving of your treasures of the heart.
 
 

This can be looked at in two ways.  The place where your money and possessions are stored is generally where your heart will be.  Look at the stock market.  If you are an investor you are constantly looking at the market and analyzing.  If some would have the same investments in the Church maybe there would be more concern.  We are told to put those things were they cannot be corrupted and stolen.

We are commanded to give on the first day of the week  (I Corinthians 16:1-2)
We are to give self-first (II Corinthians 8:1-5)
We are told to give cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:6-9)

Verses 22-23

The Light of the Body – is the eye.  Let not the source that light enters in through be filled with evil so that your body may be full of light and not darkness.  Keep a clear mind and an honest heart.

Verses 24-34

Trust one Master.

V24 – One master reference is God and the other mammon (Money, possessions).  The condemnation is not of money but the favoring of it over God.
V25 – The question is posed that is life not more than material things.
V26 – Then the questioning of the fact that God takes care of the animals whom do not sow do you no think that he will take care of the sowers.
V27 – The act of adding 18 inches I believe is not that adding of height but rather to ones life.
V28 – The same as the fowls the lilies grow with the act of God taking care yet the do not sow.
V29 – Reference to King Solomon and his glory that did not array (Clothe) him as a lilie.
V30 – The faith is little of one who does not rely on God.
V31&32 – Do not let your life be controlled with fears of the life.
V33-34 – If you put God first then all things you need will be provided. (I Timothy 4:8)
 
 

MATTHEW CHAPTER 7
 

Judge Not Matthew 7:1-11

If you look into a man’s eye your trying to see his soul.  In V3 we are started on the thought of the eye.  We are told here not to judge the inner man.  God can only judge his hearts of his motives.  See (John 7:24) Judge righteous judgment

We are told to Judge – 
Romans 16:17 mark and avoid
I Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from the appearance of evil
Matthew 18:15-20 go to thy brother

Verse 12
THE GOLDEN RULE – reminds us to do as we would have done to ourselves.  Do not reach a judgment on someone’s heart if you would not have that done to you.

Verses 13-14
Heaven will be less populated than hell for sure.

Verses 15-20
False prophets
II Corinthians 11:13-15 Transformed darkness to appear as light.
II Timothy 4:1-5 Charge to Timothy to preach regardless of the falsehood of some.
II John 1:10-11 To support such acts is sinful

Verse 21-23
I never knew you
The tie is to Matthew 7:13-14

Verses 24-29
The conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount

Christ states the foundations.
 

MATTHEW CHAPTER EIGHT
 

Versus 1-4
According to Mosaic Law one that was a leper was ceremonially unclean (Lev.13:44-46)

KJV Leviticus 13:44-46
44.  He is a leprous man, he is unclean: the priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague is in his head.
 45.  And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.
 46.  All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.

THE OLD TESTAMENT CLEANSING PROCESS

KJV Leviticus 14:2-32
 2.  This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:
 3.  And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;
 4.  Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
 5.  And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:
 6.  As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:
 7.  And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.
 8.  And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.
 9.  But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.
 10.  And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.
 11.  And the priest that maketh him clean shall present the man that is to be made clean, and those things, before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:
 12.  And the priest shall take one he lamb, and offer him for a trespass offering, and the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord:
 13.  And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering is the priest's, so is the trespass offering: it is most holy:
 14.  And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:
 15.  And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand:
 16.  And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord:
 17.  And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering:

 18.  And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord.
 19.  And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:
 20.  And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.
 21.  And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;
 22.  And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.
 23.  And he shall bring them on the eighth day for his cleansing unto the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, before the Lord.
 24.  And the priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord:
 25.  And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering, and the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:
 26.  And the priest shall pour of the oil into the palm of his own left hand:
 27.  And the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the Lord:
 28.  And the priest shall put of the oil that is in his hand upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the place of the blood of the trespass offering:
 29.  And the rest of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed, to make an atonement for him before the Lord.
 30.  And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get;
 31.  Even such as he is able to get, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meat offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the Lord.
32. This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing.
Verses 5-13

A centurion soldier was liked unto today a sergeant major.  Between an officer and a noncommissioned officer.  Palsy was a great illness and a form of parlayzation. 

V10 from the east and west - KJV Psalms 107:3
3. And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

The kingdom cannot be in reference to the Church but rather the earthly kingdoms the followers of the Kings of the earth.  The non-doers of the Church kingdom.

Verse 14-17 Peter’s mother in law is healed

Verses 18-22 Christ says if you follow me it will not be easy as I have no place to sleep
The son of man KJV Daniel 7:13
13. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Verse 23-27 Christ quiets the storm

Verses 28-34 The Gergesenes usually are referred to as the Gardarenes.
The demons are cast out and afraid of the judgment.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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