I already gave one book report on Matthew, but since I read a chapter from one of the gospels every day, I will write more about these books. My Bible notes say that early church tradition attributes Matthew as being the writer of this gospel. Little is known about him besides his name and his occupation as tax collector. "Tradition says that for fifteen years following the resurrection of Jesus he preached in Palestine and then conducted missionary campaigns in other nations." Matthew is thought to be the first gospel written sometime between A.D. 50 and 65.
Matthew tells the story of John the Baptist preaching repentance. (3:1) I found the notes in my Bible about repentance very interesting.
"Repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action."
"The first call of the kingdom is to repentance. The implications of biblical repentance are threefold:
1) renunciation and reversal,
2) submission and teachability, and
3) continual shapeability. "
"There is no birth into the kingdom without hearing the call to salvation, renouncing one's sin, and turning from sin towards Christ the Savior (Acts 3:19).
There is no growth in the kingdom without obedience to Jesus' commandments and a childlike responsiveness as a disciple of Jesus, yielding to the teaching of God's Word (James 1:21-25).
There is no lifelong increase of fruit as a citizen of the kingdom without a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance (Eph. 4:30)."
Notes taken from 'The New Spirit Filled Life Bible'-NKJV
Some of the men that Jesus called out to be His disciples were not men that others were particularly fond of. He did not call those who thought they had it all together. He called the sick; those in need of a physician. Those who are needy are the most teachable. "Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, (those who know their own wretchedness) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3 ~ (My favorite beatitude.)
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