What Is the Purpose of the Gospel of Matthew?

It would have been helpful if Matthew wrote, “I’m writing this book for this reason: . . .” But he did not, and the gospel is complex enough that it is folly to suggest a single purpose for it. The purpose of Matthew’s gospel appears to be at least partially apologetic. He seems to build a case for Jesus of Nazareth being the One who fulfilled the OT prophecies about the Messiah, the Son of David, King of the Jews, Immanuel, and the King of the world. Matthew also wrote to explain why the Jewish Messiah was rejected by the Jewish leadership and crucified by the Romans.

The “mystery form” of the kingdom (chap. 13) may have been presented by Matthew to explain why the kingdom had not yet come in its fullest form, even though the King had been present. These themes may have been intended by the evangelist to help his messianic community interact intelligently with antagonistic members of the “synagogue down the street.” That Gentiles are presented favorably (especially 2:1; 15:21; 28:18-20) is often cited by scholars who maintain that Matthew’s purpose was to motivate his audience, primarily Jewish believers, to begin to fulfill the Great Commission. Finally, Matthew’s gospel contains a considerable amount of instruction both on what it means to be a follower (“disciple”) of Jesus, and the consequences of not embracing Him as King of kings.