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Introduction to Matthew’s Gospel

Julian Spriggs M.A.

Related articles:

Introduction Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus
Birth narratives in Matthew and Luke Interpreting parables
Did John the Baptist fulfil the prediction of Elijah? Understanding Gospels
Unique passages in Gospels The Kingdom of God in the Gospels
Herod Family Jewish Religious Groups
Herod's Temple Annas and Caiaphas
Pontius Pilate Fall of Jerusalem - AD 70
Taxation in Israel

Authorship

All four gospels in the New Testament are anonymous. Both Mark and Luke, when describing the call of Matthew use his Jewish name Levi (Mk 2:14-17, Lk 5:27-32). Matthew's gospel calls him Matthew at his call (9:9-13), and in the list of the apostles (10:1-4). The author probably wanted to show that Levi the tax-collector, by the grace of God, became Matthew the apostle. The attention to detail and the methodical arrangement of the material, would be typical of someone who had been a tax-collector.

Evidence from Church history

There is a clear, consistent, unanimous witness from church history. There has been no serious doubt over Matthew's authorship. Matthew was not a significant figure in the early church, so there would be no reason for the tradition for his authorship, unless he wrote it. The title of the gospel is very old, perhaps as early as AD 125. Many claim that the gospel was originally written in Hebrew, then later translated into Greek.

These are some quotations from writers in the early church:

Papias: “Matthew put together the oracles [of the Lord] in the Hebrew language, and each one interpreted them as best he could” (Papias Fragments 6:22) - quoted by Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History 3:39:16)

Origen: "And we will begin with Matthew, who is reported by tradition to have published his Gospel before the others, to the Hebrews, those, namely, of the circumcision who believed." (Homilies on John 6:17)

Irenaeus: “Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church.” (Against Heresies 3:1:1)

Eusebius: “For Matthew, who had at first preached to the Hebrews, when he was about to go to other peoples, committed his Gospel to writing in his native tongue, and thus compensated those whom he was obliged to leave for the loss of his presence.” (Ecclesiastical History 3:24:6)

Jerome: “The first evangelist is Matthew, the publican, who was surnamed Levi. He published his Gospel in Judaea in the Hebrew language, chiefly for the sake of Jewish believers in Christ, who adhered in vain to the shadow of the law, although the substance of the Gospel had come”. (Preface to Commentary on Matthew)

Jerome: "Matthew who is also called Levi, and who was changed from a tax collector into an apostle, was the first in Judea to compose a gospel of Christ in Hebrew for those of the circumcised who believed. But who later translated it into Greek is not known." (Lives of Illustrious Men 3)

In spite of the evidence from the writings of the early church fathers, the majority of scholars today do not believe that Matthew was translated from an original version in Hebrew into Greek, but was written originally in Greek.

Eusebius records that Pantaenus discovered a copy of Matthew’s Gospel in India, written in Hebrew: “Pantaenus was one of these, and is said to have gone to India. It is reported that among persons there who knew of Christ, he found the Gospel according to Matthew, which had anticipated his own arrival. For Bartholomew, one of the apostles, had preached to them, and left with them the writing of Matthew in the Hebrew language, which they had preserved till that time.” (Ecclesiastical History 5:10:3)

Matthew's qualifications

His occupation as tax collector highly qualified him to be the official record keeper of the words and work of Jesus. A tax-collector needed to be fluent in Greek, to be literate, and able to keep good records. To fishermen, pen and book would be a strange thing, but Matthew's work would have made him familiar with the act of writing and recording. It is interesting to note that Jesus called a tax collector (Matt 9:9) in his group alongside a zealot (Luke 6:16). The inclusion of a hated tax-collector among his disciples would have been astonishing and offensive to Jews. For more information about taxation in Israel under the Roman Empire, please see the article on Taxation.

Date and place of writing

The date of writing is unknown. It is probably before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, which is predicted in chapter 24. Some scholars have claimed that a manuscript in Magdalene College, Oxford, P64, containing fragments of Matthew’s gospel (ch 26) have been dated by analysing the handwriting to the middle of the first century.

There is great ongoing debate over the relationship between the three synoptic gospels, particularly over which was written first. Modern scholarship normally supports Mark as the earliest gospel, but the witness from the early church is that Matthew was the first gospel to be written.

The place of writing is also unknown. A suggestion would be a place where Judaism and early Christianity existed together, and were in close contact, perhaps either in northern Palestine or Antioch in Syria.

Purpose of book - To prove that Jesus is the Messiah

Matthew’s main purpose was to demonstrate that Jesus was the long-expected Jewish Messiah, showing that all God’s purposes have come to fulfilment in Jesus, so Jesus is the fulfilment of all the Old Testament hopes and predictions. To be the Messiah, he would need to be descended from David, completely keep and uphold the law of Moses, and establish the Kingdom of God.

Matthew introduces his gospel with a genealogy, showing that Jesus Christ was Son of David and Son of Abraham (1:1), the fulfilment of the two great promises in the O.T. The Messiah had to be a son of Abraham (Gen 12:1-3), and Son of David (2 Sam 7:12-16, Ps 89:29-37). The Messiah had to be a descendant from David (Is 11:1; 9:7), so Matthew shows that 'Son of David', was used as a title to address Jesus (1:1,(20), 9:27, 12:23, 15:22, 20:30-31, 21:9,15).

Jesus continually upheld the law, saying, “not an iota, not a dot would pass from the law until all is accomplished" (5:18), and "those who did the commandments and taught them would be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (5:19). He said that the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees, who sat on Moses' seat should be practised and observed (23:2), and that the Jewish temple tax should be paid (17:24-27). He also taught his disciples to fast (6:16), and to bring their offerings (5:23-24).

Matthew has a great emphasis on the Kingdom, using the phrase 'Kingdom of Heaven' thirty-eight times, to avoid the phrase 'Kingdom of God' which would be more offensive to Jews. The Messiah was coming to set up his Kingdom. This kingdom is both here now, as well as not yet here. We enter into the Kingdom of God when Jesus becomes King over our lives, but still await its consummation. Matthew continually uses the phrase 'The Christ', meaning the Messiah (1:16, 1:17, 2:4, 11:2, 16:16, 16:20, 22:42, 23:10, 26:63, 26:68, 27:17, 27:22).

He also shows that Jesus came in fulfilment of O.T. prophecy. He uses a standard formula quotation, "This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet....". This appears five times in the birth narratives: (1:22-23 - fulfilling Is 7:14; 2:5-6 - fulfilling Mic 5:2; 2:15 - fulfilling Hos 11:1; 2:17 - fulfilling Jer 31:15; 2:23 - fulfilling Is 11:1). It also occurs five times through the rest of book, (4:14-16 - fulfilling Is 9:1-2; 8:17 - fulfilling Is 53:4; 12:17-21 - fulfilling Is 42:1-4; 21:4 - fulfilling Is 62:11; Zech 9:9; 27:9-10 - fulfilling Zech 11:12-13, Jer 32:6-9)

Matthew is the Gospel of the King, showing that the prophetic hope that the Messiah would unite in himself the three important offices of prophet, priest and king, has been fulfilled. The lengthy discourses given by Jesus show his prophetic ministry. His atoning death on the cross shows him to be both priest and sacrifice. Jesus is frequently described as being a king: his genealogy is the kingly line (1:6-11), the Magi ask for King of Jews (2:2), Jesus calls himself king (17:25), the king rides on a donkey into Jerusalem (21:1-11), Pilate asks, "Are you the king of the Jews?" (27:11), and the sign over cross reads , "Jesus the King of the Jews" (27:37).

The Gospel is very Jewish. The genealogy is traced from Abraham and arranged in three groups of fourteen generations in true rabbinic style (1:1-17). Matthew refers to Jewish customs and phrases without any explanation: the tradition of elders (15:1-2), phylacteries (23:5), whitewashed tombs (23:27-28) and the day of preparation (27:62). He also refers to the Holy City and The Holy Place (4:5, 24:15, 27:53), and to the Mosaic Law (5:17-19,21,27,31,33,38,43, 7:12, 11:13, 12:5, 15:6, 22:36,40, 23:23).

Matthew also shows that the gospel is firmly rooted in the O.T., using many other direct quotation of prophecies. There are also many allusions, echoes, single words and phrases. He quotes almost every book of the O.T., but chiefly from Isaiah and the Psalms.

He then shows how Jesus came to the Jews, but his kingdom was rejected by them, and was opened up to the Gentiles. Jesus sent out the twelve, saying, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go to lost sheep of house of Israel” (10:5-6). However there are confrontations with the Jewish leadership, especially over the Sabbath (12:1-14). In the parable of the vineyard (21:33-43), Jesus warns that, “the Kingdom will be taken away and given to a nation producing the fruits of it". Matthew uniquely records the lengthy denunciation of the Pharisees (ch 23). Then in the great commission (28:19-20), we are called to make disciples of all nations, where before he sent them only to lost sheep of house of Israel (10:5).

There is strong theme of the Gospel being for Gentiles as well: the Gentile Magi came to worship Jesus (2:1-12), and Jesus' family took refuge in Gentile Egypt (2:13-15). A Roman Centurion, seeking help, showed faith and received Jesus' blessing (8:5-13). The Gentile cities of Tyre, Sidon, Sodom and Nineveh were favourably contrasted with the Jewish cities of Chorazin, Capernaum and with 'this generation' (11:20-24, 12:41). The word about Jesus is for all the world, from east to west (8:11), for the Gentiles (12:21), and will be proclaimed throughout all the world (24:14).

Discipleship

Writings from the early church suggest that Matthew was probably the most widely read gospel, and is the most frequently quoted. It records lengthy teaching (discourses), so it is suggested that it was used to disciple young converts to the Christian faith.

Great prominence is given to the teaching of Jesus, introduced by expressions such as: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying .." (4:17), "And He opened his mouth and taught them saying .." (5:2), "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom .." (9:35), "And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities .." (11:1), "And coming to his own country, he taught in their synagogue .." (13:54).

Matthew has structured his gospel with five main sections within an introduction and conclusion. The five main sections are each in two parts, a narrative describing what Jesus was doing, followed by a lengthy discourse:

Introduction Birth narrative (ch 1-2)
First section Narrative - Jesus’ early ministry (ch 3-4)
Discourse - Sermon on the Mount (ch 5-7)
Second section Narrative - Healing ministry (8:1 - 9:34)
Discourse - Mission of the disciples (9:35 - 10:42)
Third section Narrative - Growing opposition (ch 11 - 12)
Discourse - Parables of the Kingdom (13:1 - 52)
Fourth section Narrative - Jesus with disciples and Pharisees (13:53 - ch 17)
Discourse - Church discipline (ch 18)
Fifth section Narrative - Confrontation (ch 19 - 22)
Discourse - Woes on Pharisees and Olivet Discourse (ch 23 - 25 )
Conclusion Passion and resurrection (ch 26 - 28)

Each of the five sections ends with formula: "When Jesus had finished these sayings...." (7:28, 11:1, 13:53, 19:1, 26:1). It has been suggested that the five sections was patterned on the five books of the Pentateuch, that Matthew is saying, "Here is the new Pentateuch, a new law, for the Kingdom of God”.

Apart from the five main discourses, scattered in the narrative are the following teaching of the disciples: teaching following Peter's confession (16:13-28), teaching following the transfiguration (17:1-27), riches and the Kingdom of Heaven (19:23 - 20:16), creatures in the Kingdom of Heaven (20:17-28), example of Faith (21:18-22), and teaching following the last supper (26:20-35).

Matthew is the only Gospel to mention 'church': “On this rock I will build my church” (16:18), “If brother sins ... if he refuses to listen, tell it to the church, if he refuses to listen to the church, let him be as a Gentile and tax collector” (18:17).

Passages unique to Matthew’s Gospel

The following incidents are only found in Matthew: Joseph's dream (1:20), the visit of Magi (2:1), the flight to Egypt (2:13-14), Herod killing infants (2:16), and the return to Nazareth (2:19-23). During Jesus’ ministry and passion, the following incidents are unique: Peter walking on sea (14:28), Judas receiving and returning thirty pieces of silver (26:15), Pilate's wife's dream (27:19), saints raised from tombs (27:52), guards watching tomb (27:64), the bribing of guards (28:12), and the earthquake at resurrection (28:2).

There are two miracles unique to Matthew: the two blind men healed (9:28), and the coin found in the mouth of the fish (17:24).

There are several parables only recorded by Matthew: the wheat and weeds (13:24), the hidden treasure (13:44), the discovery of a pearl (13:45), the net (13:47), the unmerciful servant (18:23), the labourers in the vineyard (20:1), the two sons (21:28), the marriage of king's son (22:1), the wise and foolish 10 virgins (25:1), the talents (25:14), and the sheep and the goats (25:31).

Unique teaching includes: the sermon on the Mount (ch 5-7), "Come to me all you who labour ..." (11:28), and the woes to the Pharisees (ch 23).

Related articles:

Introduction Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus
Birth narratives in Matthew and Luke Understanding parables
Did John the Baptist fulfil the prediction of Elijah? Understanding Gospels
Unique passages in Gospels The Kingdom of God in the Gospels
Herod Family Jewish Religious Groups
Herod's Temple Annas and Caiaphas
Pontius Pilate Fall of Jerusalem - AD 70
Taxation in Israel

The Bible

Pages which look at issues relevant to the whole Bible, such as the Canon of Scripture, as well as doctrinal and theological issues. There are also pages about the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha and 'lost books' of the Old Testament.

Also included are lists of the quotations of the OT in the NT, and passages of the OT quoted in the NT.

Why These 66 Books?
Books in the Hebrew Scriptures
Quotations in NT From OT
OT Passages Quoted in NT
History of the English Bible
Twelve Books of the Apocrypha
The Pseudepigrapha - False Writings
Lost Books Referenced in OT

Old Testament Overview

This is a series of six pages which give a historical overview through the Old Testament and the inter-testamental period, showing where each OT book fits into the history of Israel.

OT 1: Creation and Patriarchs
OT 2: Exodus and Wilderness
OT 3: Conquest and Monarchy
OT 4: Divided kingdom and Exile
OT 5: Return from Exile
OT 6: 400 Silent Years

New Testament Overview

This is a series of five pages which give a historical overview through the New Testament, focusing on the Ministry of Jesus, Paul's missionary journeys, and the later first century. Again, it shows where each book of the NT fits into the history of the first century.

NT 1: Life and Ministry of Jesus
NT 2: Birth of the Church
NT 3: Paul's Missionary Journeys
NT 4: Paul's Imprisonment
NT 5: John and Later NT

Introductions to Old Testament Books

This is an almost complete collection of introductions to each of the books in the Old Testament. Each contains information about the authorship, date, historical setting and main themes of the book.

Genesis Exodus Leviticus
Numbers Deuteronomy

Joshua Judges Ruth
1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings Chronicles
Ezra & Nehemiah Esther

Job Psalms Proverbs

Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations
Ezekiel Daniel

Hosea Joel Amos
Obadiah Jonah Micah
Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah
Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Introductions to New Testament Books

This is a collection of introductions to each of the 27 books in the New Testament. Each contains information about the authorship, date, historical setting and main themes of the book.

Matthew's Gospel Mark's Gospel Luke's Gospel
John's Gospel

Book of Acts

Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians
Galatians Ephesians Philippians
Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy
2 Timothy Titus Philemon

Hebrews James 1 Peter
2 Peter 1 John 2 & 3 John
Jude

Revelation

Old Testament History

Information about the different nations surrounding Israel, and other articles concerning Old Testament history and the inter-testamental period.

Canaanite Religion
Israel's Enemies During the Conquest
Syria / Aram
The Assyrian Empire
Babylon and its History
The Persian Empire
The Greek Empire
The 400 Silent Years
The Ptolemies and Seleucids
Antiochus IV - Epiphanes

Old Testament Studies

A series of articles covering more general topics for OT studies. These include a list of the people named in the OT and confirmed by archaeology. There are also pages to convert the different units of measure in the OT, such as the talent, cubit and ephah into modern units.

More theological topics include warfare in the ancient world, the Holy Spirit in the OT, and types of Jesus in the OT.

OT People Confirmed by Archaeology
The Jewish Calendar
The Importance of Paradox
Talent Converter (weights)
Cubit Converter (lengths)
OT People Search
Ephah Converter (volumes)
Holy War in the Ancient World
The Holy Spirit in the OT
Types of Jesus in the OT

Studies in the Pentateuch (Gen - Deut)

A series of articles covering studies in the five books of Moses. Studies in the Book of Genesis look at the historical nature of the early chapters of Genesis, the Tower of Babel and the Table of the Nations.

There are also pages about covenants, the sacrifices and offerings, the Jewish festivals and the tabernacle, as well as the issue of tithing.

Are chapters 1-11 of Genesis historical?
Chronology of the Flood
Genealogies of the Patriarchs
Table of the Nations (Gen 10)
Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9)

Authorship of the Pentateuch
Chronology of the Wilderness Years
Names of God in the OT
Covenants in the OT
The Ten Commandments
The Tabernacle and its Theology
Sacrifices and Offerings
The Jewish Festivals
Balaam and Balak
Tithing
Highlights from Deuteronomy
Overview of Deuteronomy

Studies in the Old Testament History Books (Josh - Esther)

Articles containing studies and helpful information for the history books. These include a list of the dates of the kings of Israel and Judah, a summary of the kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and studies of Solomon, Jeroboam and Josiah.

There are also pages describing some of the historical events of the period, including the Syro-Ephraimite War, and the Assyrian invasion of Judah in 701 BC.

Dates of the Kings of Judah and Israel
King Solomon
The Kings of Israel
King Jeroboam I of Israel
The Syro-Ephraimite War (735 BC)
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah (701 BC)
King Josiah of Judah
Differences Between Kings and Chronicles
Chronology of the post-exilic period

Studies in the Old Testament Prophets (Is - Mal)

Articles containing studies and helpful information for the OT prophets. These include a page looking at the way the prophets look ahead into their future, a page looking at the question of whether Satan is a fallen angel, and a page studying the seventy weeks of Daniel.

There are also a series of pages giving a commentary through the text of two of the books:
Isaiah (13 pages) and Daniel (10 pages).

Prophets and the Future
The Call of Jeremiah (Jer 1)
The Fall of Satan? (Is 14, Ezek 28)
Daniel Commentary (10 pages)
Isaiah Commentary (13 pages)
Formation of the Book of Jeremiah


Daniel's Seventy Weeks (Dan 9:24-27)

New Testament Studies

A series of articles covering more general topics for NT studies. These include a list of the people in the NT confirmed by archaeology.

More theological topics include the Kingdom of God and the Coming of Christ.

NT People Confirmed by Archaeology
The Kingdom of God / Heaven
Parousia (Coming of Christ)
The Importance of Paradox

Studies in the Four Gospels (Matt - John)

A series of articles covering various studies in the four gospels. These include a list of the unique passages in each of the Synoptic Gospels and helpful information about the parables and how to interpret them.

Some articles look at the life and ministry of Jesus, including his genealogy, birth narratives, transfiguration, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the seating arrangements at the Last Supper.

More theological topics include the teaching about the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete and whether John the Baptist fulfilled the predictions of the coming of Elijah.

Unique Passages in the Synoptic Gospels
The SynopticProblem
Genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1)
Birth Narratives of Jesus
Understanding the Parables
Peter's Confession and the Transfiguration
Was John the Baptist Elijah?
The Triumphal Entry
The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13)
Important themes in John's Gospel
John's Gospel Prologue (John 1)
Jesus Fulfilling Jewish Festivals
Reclining at Table at the Last Supper
The Holy Spirit as the Paraclete

Studies in the Book of Acts and the New Testament Letters

A series of articles covering various studies in the Book of Acts and the Letters, including Paul's letters. These include a page studying the messages given by the apostles in the Book of Acts, and the information about the financial collection that Paul made during his third missionary journey. More theological topics include Paul's teaching on Jesus as the last Adam, and descriptions of the church such as the body of Christ and the temple, as well as a look at redemption and the issue of fallen angels.

There are a series of pages giving a commentary through the text of five of the books:
Romans (7 pages), 1 Corinthians (7 pages), Galatians (3 pages), Philemon (1 page) and Hebrews (7 pages)

Apostolic Messages in the Book of Acts
Paul and His Apostleship
Collection for the Saints
The Church Described as a Temple
Church as the Body of Christ
Jesus as the Last Adam
Food Offered to Idols
Paul's Teaching on Headcoverings
Who are the Fallen Angels
The Meaning of Redemption
What is the Church?
Paul and the Greek Games

Romans Commentary (7 pages)

1 Corinthians Commentary (7 pages)

Galatians Commentary (3 pages)

Philemon Commentary (1 page)

Hebrews Commentary (7 pages)

Studies in the Book of Revelation

Articles containing studies and helpful information for the study of the Book of Revelation and topics concerning Eschatology (the study of end-times).

These include a description of the structure of the book, a comparison and contrast between the good and evil characters in the book and a list of the many allusions to the OT. For the seven churches, there is a page which gives links to their location on Google maps.

There is a page studying the important theme of Jesus as the Lamb, which forms the central theological truth of the book. There are pages looking at the major views of the Millennium, as well as the rapture and tribulation, as well as a list of dates of the second coming that have been mistakenly predicted through history.

There is also a series of ten pages giving a detailed commentry through the text of the Book of Revelation.

Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Characters Introduced in the Book
Structure of Revelation
List of Allusions to OT
The Description of Jesus as the Lamb
Virtual Seven Churches of Revelation
The Nero Redivius Myth
The Millennium (1000 years)
The Rapture and the Tribulation
Different Approaches to Revelation
Predicted Dates of the Second Coming

Revelation Commentary (10 pages)

How to do Inductive Bible Study

These are a series of pages giving practical help showing how to study the Bible inductively, by asking a series of simple questions. There are lists of observation and interpretation questions, as well as information about the structure and historical background of biblical books, as well as a list of the different types of figures of speech used in the Bible. There is also a page giving helpful tips on how to apply the Scriptures personally.

How to Study the Bible Inductively
I. The Inductive Study Method
II. Observation Questions
III. Interpretation Questions
IV. Structure of Books
V. Determining the Historical background
VI. Identifying Figures of Speech
VII. Personal Application
VIII. Text Layout

Types of Literature in the Bible

These are a series of pages giving practical help showing how to study each of the different types of book in the Bible by appreciating the type of literature being used. These include historical narrative, law, wisdom, prophets, Gospels, Acts, letters and Revelation.

It is most important that when reading the Bible we are taking note of the type of literature we are reading. Each type needs to be considered and interpreted differently as they have different purposes.

How to Understand OT Narratives
How to Understand OT Law
Hebrew Poetry
OT Wisdom Literature
Understanding the OT Prophets
The Four Gospels
The Parables of Jesus
The Book of Acts
How to Understand the NT Letters
Studying End Times (Eschatology)
The Book of Revelation

Geography and Archaeology

These are a series of pages giving geographical and archaeological information relevant to the study of the Bible. There is a page where you can search for a particular geographical location and locate it on Google maps, as well as viewing photographs on other sites.

There are also pages with photographs from Ephesus and Corinth.

Search for Geographical Locations
Major Archaeological Sites in Israel
Archaeological Sites in Assyria, Babylon and Persia
Virtual Paul's Missionary Journeys
Virtual Seven Churches of Revelation
Photos of the City of Corinth
Photos of the City of Ephesus

Biblical Archaeology in Museums around the world

A page with a facility to search for artifacts held in museums around the world which have a connection with the Bible. These give information about each artifact, as well as links to the museum's collection website where available showing high resolution photographs of the artifact.

There is also page of photographs from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem of important artifacts.

Search Museums for Biblical Archaeology
Israel Museum Photos

Difficult Theological and Ethical Questions

These are a series of pages looking at some of the more difficult questions of Christian theology, including war, suffering, disappointment and what happens to those who have never heard the Gospel.

Christian Ethics
Never Heard the Gospel
Is there Ever a Just War?
Why Does God Allow Suffering
Handling Disappointment

How to Preach

These are a series of pages giving a practical step-by-step explanation of the process of preparing a message for preaching, and how to lead a small group Bible study.

What is Preaching?
I. Two Approaches to Preaching
II. Study a Passage for Preaching
III. Creating a Message Outline
IV. Making Preaching Relevant
V. Presentation and Public Speaking
VI. Preaching Feedback and Critique
Leading a Small Group Bible Study

Information for SBS staff members

Two pages particularly relevant for people serving as staff on the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) in YWAM. One gives helpful instruction about how to prepare to teach on a book in the SBS. The other gives a list of recommended topics which can be taught about for each book of the Bible.

Teaching on SBS Book Topics for SBS