Book of Matthew — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 28 · Written by: Matthew (apostle) · Approximate date: c. AD 50–60 · Theme: Jesus the King & Messiah
Summary of the Book of Matthew
Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Hebrew Scripture prophecy and the long-awaited Messianic King, structured around five major discourses including the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' teachings about Jehovah's Kingdom.
Why the Book of Matthew Matters Today
Matthew is the bridge book between the Hebrew and Christian Greek Scriptures, written primarily for a Jewish audience and repeatedly demonstrating how Jesus fulfilled Hebrew Scripture prophecy. The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7) contains the most concentrated body of Jesus' practical teaching anywhere in Scripture — applied daily by Witnesses in personal conduct, family life, and ministry. Matthew 24's sign of the conclusion of the system of things is foundational for the JW understanding that we are living in the last days. The Great Commission at Matthew 28:19–20 is the direct biblical mandate for the worldwide preaching work.
Key Verses in Matthew
- Matt 4:17
- Matt 5:17
- Matt 28:19–20
Notable Passages in Matthew
Matthew 4:17
Jesus' proclamation 'Repent, for the Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near' launches the central theme of his entire ministry — the good news of Jehovah's Kingdom.
Matthew 5:17
Jesus' declaration that he came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it shows how his teaching perfectly completed Jehovah's purpose for the Mosaic covenant.
Matthew 28:19–20
The Great Commission to 'make disciples of people of all the nations' provides the ongoing mandate for Jehovah's Witnesses' worldwide preaching and teaching work.
Study Questions for Matthew
As you read the book of Matthew, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- How does Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7) present the standards of conduct and values that distinguish citizens of Jehovah's Kingdom?
- What does Jesus' model prayer (Matthew 6:9–13) teach about what should be first in our prayers — Jehovah's name, his Kingdom, and his will?
- How do the parables of the Kingdom in Matthew 13 describe different responses to the Kingdom message, and which response do Jehovah's Witnesses seek to cultivate?
- What does Jesus' Great Commission (28:19–20) — 'make disciples of people of all the nations' — reveal about the global scope and ongoing nature of the preaching work?
- How does Matthew's presentation of Jesus as the fulfillment of Hebrew Scripture prophecy strengthen confidence in the reliability of Jehovah's word?
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew
- Who wrote the book of Matthew?
- Matthew (also called Levi), one of the twelve apostles and a former tax collector, wrote the Gospel bearing his name, completing it around 41 CE in Palestine.
- When was the book of Matthew written?
- Matthew was written approximately 41 CE in Palestine, making it the earliest of the four Gospels, written primarily for a Jewish audience.
- What is the main theme of Matthew?
- Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messianic King who fulfills Hebrew Scripture prophecy. The Gospel concludes with the Great Commission to preach the Kingdom good news to all nations.
How to Study Matthew with JW Study
Track your progress through all 28 chapters of Matthew in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Matthew
The book of Matthew is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
- Gospels in 30 Days — Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in a focused 30-day sprint. (30 days, 89 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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