As to the time of its composition, there is little in the Gospel itself to indicate. It was evidently written before the destruction of Jerusalem (is in Mat 24), and some time after the events it records. The probability is that it was written between the years A.D. 60 and 65. View

 The leading characteristic of this Gospel is that it sets forth the kingly glory of Christ, and shows him to be the true heir to David's throne. It is the Gospel of the kingdom. Matthew uses the expression "kingdom of heaven" (thirty-two times), while Luke uses the expression "kingdom of God" (thirty-three times). Some Latinized forms occur in this Gospel, as kodrantes (Mat 5:26), for the Latin quadrans, and phragello (27:26), for the Latin flagello. It must be remembered that Matthew was a tax-gatherer for the Roman government, and hence in contact with those using the Latin language. View

 The book is fitly divided into these four parts: (Mat 1.) Containing the genealogy, the birth, and the infancy of Jesus (GOSPELS.) Mat 1; 2). View

 (Mat 2.) The discourses and actions of John the Baptist preparatory to Christ's public ministry (GOSPELS.) Mat 3; 4:11). View

 (3.) The discourses and actions of Christ in Galilee (Mat 4:12-20:16). View

 (4.) The sufferings, death and resurrection of our Lord (Mat 20:17-28). View