Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 03:9 (Aug 1999)
Article: The Importance of the Book of Matthew
Author: Mal Couch

CTJ 3:9 (August 1999) p. 219

The Importance of
the Book of Matthew1

Mal Couch

President and Professor of Theology & Languages
Tyndale Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX

The Role of the Gospels

To inquire about Christianity is to begin with the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books give us not only the historic account of the life and sayings of Jesus Christ, they give four important but distinct perspectives about the one called the Son of God. Though much of the information about the life of Jesus overlaps in these volumes, one has to start with these marvelous writings—the Gospels. Toussaint writes:

The Gospels have always been held as precious documents of the Christian faith. As such they have been carefully studied by saints since the time they were penned. Although they are now nearly two thousand years old, they are still the object of careful scrutiny and study on the part of both layman and scholar.2

The Primacy of Matthew

Because John seems to interpret the person of Christ in some simple terms for the reader, his Gospel has always been popular. Yet still, the place to begin in fully understanding Jesus seems to be with Matthew.

But there seems to be a larger perspective in view. Almost anyone who wishes to learn something about the New Testament will begin that search in the book of Matthew. It is not only the first book one turns to in beginning that spiritual journey, but it seems to stand out as one of the most visible of all the writings among New Testament volumes. Even the most skeptical of critics, when asked to name the Gospels, will begin “Matthew, Mark, Luke, John …” All know to begin the New Testament book order with Matthew, but more importantly, most sense his writing is the place to begin in attempting to understand the life and times of Christ.

CTJ 3:9 (August 1999) p. 220

The Gospel of Matthew has commonly been considered one of the most important books of the New Testament, and properly a gospel to be placed first in the New Testament… Anyone desiring to master the New Testament may, accordingly, well begin with the gospel of Matthew, which fulfills the divinely intended purpose of being an introduction to New Testament truth.3

Why has Matthew remained one of the most popular books of the New Testament, and certainly one of the most well read Gospels among the four? It may be because the gospel is well written and is therefore a literary masterpiece. But more than likely it is because of the majestic and detailed description of...