"SYNOPTIC PROBLEM" Because Matthew, Mark, Luke give the same general view of Christ's life with their recording being much of the same.

The possible connections with a common original, their authorship, and mutual relations are called the Synoptic Problem.

Many thought that Mark was the earliest of the Gospels with Matthew enlarging on Mark and that Luke used both. Others believe that Matthew was written first and then Mark made a abridged edition or Matthew's gospel. It is commonly believed that no one used the other ones. Jesus' life events and His sayings were repeated orally for years by the Apostles and others, and were in common circulation among Christians.

Jesus' sayings and his life were the substance of the daily preaching of the Apostles. From the beginning many of these were written down in mere fragmentary and others in complete form. Matthew was an eye witness to many of these stories. All three chose what they wanted and what suited them from the written and oral knowledge in general circulation among the Christians and put this in written

Matthew: means “gift of Jehovah or God": Matthew is commonly called the Gospel of the Kingdom and it's material is grouped by subject. Matthew is believed to be written especially for the Jews around 50 A.D. to prove that Jesus was the predicted "Messiah or Christ the Anointed One" The author made no attempt to translate or explain the Jewish Words that he used. Also, He quoted from the Old Testament more times than any of the other gospel's writers.

Matthew to the Jews, Mark to the Romans; Luke to the Greeks, John made it clear and unmistakable that Jesus was GOD in Human form to all man kind.

There are a few that believes someone else is the author of the Gospel of Matthew not Matthew because of the gospel is not naming Matthew as the author. Matthew was a Publican: "KJV word for tax collector" A Tax collector who became one of twelve of Jesus’ Apostles. Matthew was also called Leui. He is listed in the four list of Twelve, (Matthew 10:3 Mark 3:18 Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13) and where it is called to follow Jesus. (Matthew 9:9-13 Mark 2:14-17 Luke 5:27-32 ) Matthews appears seventh in Mark 3:18. Luke 6:15 and eighth in Matt 10:3 and Acts 1:13. Some say that the reason why Matthew's name has been linked with the Gospel of Matthew is because of the sayings of Papias, the bishop of Hierapolis, quoted in Eusebius:

The argument for some one else writing the Gospel of Matthew is that Matthew would of wrote the Gospel of Matthew in Aramaic not Greek. No Aramaic original of the Gospel of Matthew has ever been found. Also the Greek Gospel of Matthew that we have can not be translated back into Aramaic. It is generally agreed upon that Mark is the earliest of the four gospels and that whoever the author is of the Gospel of Matthew substantially used the Gospel of Mark. Six hundred and one of Mark’s six hundred and seventy eight verses appear in Matthew. We are sure that the author was a compiler of the Gospel, evidently a Jew who lived outside Palestine. The author would be well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures, and was impressed by the incidents in the life of Christ and the O.T. Beginning with Papias, the Early church Fathers accepted Matthew as the author as we do today.

The Human Author of this book is Matthew, called Levi, the publican tax collector Jesus chose as an apostle. He presents Jesus from the standpoint of a King and the word kingdom appears fifty times. The kingdom of heaven appears thirty times, the only place it appears in the NT. Matthew tends to bring together miracles and parables into groups without reference to their place in history, while Mark is more chronological.

Matthew, Mark, and John, Matthew being in a list called the "Gospel" All four covers the life and death of Jesus and formed a uniques kink of written document, but different view threw the eyes of each human writer.

There have been about 400 years of prophetic silence since Malachi, but during this time Greece became the third world power prophesied by Daniel.

One of their leaders, Antiochus Epiphanies desecrated the temple and provoked the revolt of the Maccabees which gave some freedom to the Jews for a few years. Finally the land was taken by Rome, the fourth world power, which was cruel and killed many Jews. External religion and many traditions developed in this time, and obedience was transferred from the law to the traditions.

The majority of the religious leaders were Sadducees, but the Pharisees were popular with the people and wielded influence out of proportion to their number.

More information on “Pharisees, Essences, Sadducees, and Zealot” go to www.christisalive.net/Zealot This was the situation when Christ was born.

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: Mt 1:22-23" That He would be born of a Virgin Isa 7:14" Matthew preached in Palestine for some years and then traveled to foreign countries as tradition goes. He wrote his gospel originally in Hebrew and around A.D. 60 wrote a more complete edition in Greek.

Now according to our current calendar which is off, it has Jesus being born around the end of the reign of Herod's either between 6 and 4 BC or 3 to 2 BC.

THE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST.....: Called Magi probably astrologers from Persia (2:2) This would explain the interest in an extraordinary "star" . The number of wise men is unknown, many puts it at three because of the three gifts. One thing I am sure of is that the wise men were men of wealth. The three gifts would of cost greatly and with them traveling to follow the star they would of had slaves to take care of their needs and care for the animals used for traveling. It is stated in Matthew that the Magi was the first to recognize the Kingship of Jesus.

The magics being astrologers knew about the OT prophecy in Num 24:17.

Baloam had predicted a star shall come forth out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. Herod was greatly troubled (Mt 2:3) Knowing that this was a great disaster for his family (Num 24:18) Also, it would of take the wise men days, months, or years to make the travel. It is why Herod the Great ordered the death of children from birth to the age of two.

Different in the four Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke tells about both suppers. Luke mentions two cups 22:17-20 John mentions only passover.

Fourteen centuries the passover pointed to the coming of the Paschal Lamb. Jesus ate His Passover Supper and then became the Paschal Lamb. Jesus was slain on the cross the same day that Paschal Lambs were slain in the Temple.

The Passover had served its purpose but it was now time for the new memorial supper which is to be kept until Jesus comes again. 1st Corinthians 11:26

PASSOVER= Deliverance out of Egypt and toward His coming, New memorial Supper points back to His death and forward to His coming in Glory. The order of the Lord's supper is some what confusing: Matthew and Mark place the Lord's supper after Judas went out. Luke seems to say he was there. John gives the contamination first with Luke after the supper.

MOST PLACE THE SUPPER IN THIS ORDER.

( 1.) Jesus washes their feet.

( 2. ) The betrayal is announced by Jesus and they all reply "IS IT I ?"

( 3. ) Judas is given soup and and says "IS IT I ? "

( 4. ) Jesus gives the Lord's supper instructions.

( 5. ) The "NEW COMMANDMENT" is given and the tender words of John 14.

1. The ancestry and infancy of Jesus ( 1:1-2:23)

A. Genealogy of Jesus ( 1:1-17)

B. Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem ( 1:18-25)

C. Visit of Visit of the Wise Men ( 2:1-12

D. Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt (2:13-15)

E. Slaughter of the Holy Innocents ( 2:19-23)

F. Return of the Holy Family to Nazareth. ( 2:19-23)

2. The Early Ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist ( 3:1-7:29)

A. Ministry of John and Jesus ( Chap 3-4) B. sermon on the Mount ( Chap 5-7)

3. Jesus' Miracles and the Commission of the Twelve ( 8:1-10:42)

A. Miracles Stories of Jesus ( Chap 8-9)

B. Missionary Sermon for the Apostles ( CHAP 10)

4. Growing Controversy and the New Kingdom ( 11:1-13:58)

A. Jesus Confronts an Evil Generation (Chap 11-12 )

B. Parables of the Kingdom ( Chap 13 )

5. Jesus Instructs Peter and the Twelve ( 14:1-18:35)

A. Jesus' Various Travels and Miracles ( Chap 14-17)

B. Life in the Church Sermon ( Chap 18)

6. Jesus travels to Judea and Enters Jerusalem ( 19:1-25:46

A. Jesus' teaching in the Temple and Events in Judea. . ( Chap 19-23)

B. Judgment on Jerusalem ( Chap 24-25)

7. The Resurrection and suffering of Jesus ( 26: 1-28:20)

A. Anointing at Bethany ( 26:1-16)

B. The Last Supper ( 26:17-19

C. Jesus' Betrayal and Trials ( 26:30-27:26)

D. Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus (27:27-66)

E. Resurrection of Jesus ( 28: 1-15)

F. The Great Commission (28:16-20)

Verses 1-17 the Genealogy of Jesus, also given in Luke 3:23-38

MATTHEW 1 HEAVEN'S ANGELS ANNOUNCED HIS BIRTH:

Herod the great father of the Herodians. He is remembered as the lavish rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and of builders of Cities. His suspicion and Jealousy led to the murder of his wife and several of his children. Herod the Great was only party Jewish. His royal title was not genive and was granted by Rome. Becasue his only loyalty was to him self and Herod was always worried about loosing his title. He reigned from 37 to 04 BC.

MATTHEW, who name means "GIFT OF JEHOVAH"

V 1. A BOOK OF THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST.....: A title for the Entire Gospel. CHRIST: A title meaning " Anointed One" Another Title meaning Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit ( Acts 10:36-38 Luke 4:18-19)

V 2 ABRAHAMIC AND DAVIDIC.....: Ancestry shows His credentials to be the royal of Israel (1:1 , 16) Kings would come from Abraham's family line (Gen. 17:6) David would always have a dynastic heir from a swore covenant oath. (2nd Sam 7:16 Ps 89: 3-4) V 3-15 THE INCLUSION OF WOMEN..... : Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah. Not unprecedented but highly unusual (1st Chron 1:32 39 50 2:4) v 16 THE HUSBAND OF: Joseph is not called the father of Jesus, just the spouse or husband of Mary. This starts the way for the Virginal conception of Jesus in 1:18-25. As Jesus' foster father, Joseph names the child (1:25) protecting the Holy family ( 2:13-22) Even through He was adopted Jesus received full hereditary following Jewish customs. THE HUSBAND OF MARY: Here is given the pedigree of St. Joseph, than that of the blessed Virgin, this is to conform to the Hebrews' custom, who took no notice of women in their genealogies; but as they were near akin, the pedigree of the one sheweth that of the other.

v 17. FOURTEEN GENERALTIONS.....: Number 14 is used by Matthew to stress Jesus as the New Davidic King David and Jesus is listed with their titles (King 1:6 Christ 1:6)

DEPORTATION TO BABYLON.....: Under the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar the Exile of the Jews started in 586 B.C. At this time period Israel's Davidic Kingdom collapsed and there were no more legitimate heir assumed David's Throne.
Jesus comes as the awaited Messiah King (21:4-5 Jn 1:49) to fulfill God's covenant Oath (PS 132:11-12 LK 1:32-33)This genealogy establishes the kingly line that Jesus is a descendant of David. In each case a father begot a son until v 16 when Joseph was simply husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born. A curse was pronounced upon Jeconiah, or Coniah in Jer. 22:30, “write this man childless”. Not that he was childless, but no son of his could sit on the throne, so Christ came through David’s son, Nathan. Matthew includes four women, Tamar and Rahab, prostitutes, Ruth a Moabite, and Bathsheba, an adulterous. Matthew omitted some names and simply listed 14 generations in each time period, which was sufficient to satisfy Jewish genealogy of Christ.
The death of Herod occurred in the spring of 4 B.C. our Present Calendar is off in its calculation by four to six years.

Verses 18-25 THE FATHERLESS BIRTH OF JESUS v 18-25. V 18 BETROTHED TO JOSEPH.....: A ancient Judaism betrothal time period of up to a year was observed to make sure the bride was not pregnant by another, In this ancient Judaism custom the couple was married but not living together and it was in this period that she became with child of the Holy Ghost.
The Talmud made claims that Jesus was the illegitimate child born of Mary and a Roman Soldier named Ben-Panther.
The love of Joseph is seen in that he chose to divorce Mary quietly rather than make her a public example and have her stoned for adultery. He stopped thinking about a divorce once the angel spoke to him.

IN DOZENS OF STUDY BIBLE AND COMMANTARIES THIS IS HOW THE STORY OF JESUS BIRTH IS TOLD.
"Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."

V 19 JOSEPH.....: was a man of high moral character and he was committed to living by the Mosaic Law (Deut 6:25 Lk 1:6)
PUT HER TO SHAME....: To expose or to place her on exhibit that she was pregnant and it wasn't his.
SEND HER AWAY.....: The Catholic tradition has three main interpretation to explain why Joseph was going to divorce Mary.

[1] SUSPICION THEORY....: Joseph suspected Mary of adultery and divorce her in according with Deut 24:1-4 until the Angel told him " The cause of the conception was by God:.
[2.] THE PERPIEXITY THEORY....: Joseph held Mary's pregnancy inexplicable. He believed divorce was the only option but wanted to do it very quietly.
[3] THE REVERENCE THEORY...: Others believed that Joseph knew about it from the very start but believed himself unworthy to be involved, but the angel came to him to have Joseph to set aside the fears he had.(1:20 Number 3 is more covered by the Jews Customs.
V 20 THE MESSAGE FORM THE ANGEL WAS URGENT: Joseph was to be the foster father so he had to maintain his marriage. He imparts to Jesus Davidic (royal) rights of inheritance as a descendant of King David, the OT patriarch Joseph

(1) Both had the same name (1:18 Gen 30:24)
(II) Jacob was their father's name (1:16 Gen 30:19-24)
(III) Both received dreams from God (1:20-21 2:13 19-20 , 22 Gen 37:5-11)1:20
(IV) Both righteous and chaste (1:19 Gen 39:7-18
(V) Both saved their family by taking them to Egypt ( 2:13 Gen 45:16-20)

V 21-22 JESUS: Greek name J e s o u s , there is a _ above the e, Hebrew= Joshua (Yehoshua) both meaning "Yahweh saves "
Greater than Joshua, who led Israel into the promised land (SIR 46:1 Jesus leads people into the eternal land of heaven (25:34 Heb 4:1-11) Great than David (2 Sam 3:18) Jesus saves the people from sin and David from their national enemies. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew of the King James Bible )

V 23-25 BEHOLD A VIRGIN.....: (Matt 2:6 , 15 , 18 , 23 ) Matthew reference it to Mary (Virgin) and Jesus (Son) Isaiah 7:14 initially prophesied the birth of Hezekiah, the King who was Israel's rescuer from many evils (2nd Kings 18:1-6) There is a greater fulfillment here, where the human father is absence in the prophecy point to the virginal conception of the Messiah.
GOD WITH US.....: Jesus on the growing presence in the world is both ecclesial (18:20 28:20 ) and eucharistic (26:26)
TILL SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER FIRSTBORN SON: From these words Helvidius and other heretics most impiously inferred that the blessed Virgin Mary had other children besides Christ; but St. Jerome shews, by divers examples, that this expression of the Evangelist was a manner of speaking usual among the Hebrews, to denote by the word until, only what is done, without any regard to the future.
Thus it is said, Genesis 8. 6 and 7, that Noe sent forth a raven, which went forth, and did not return till the waters were dried up on the earth. That is, did not return any more.

Also Isaiah 46. 4, God says: I am till you grow old. Who dare infer that God should then cease to be: Also in the first book of Maccabees 5. 54, And they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, and offered holocausts, because not one of them was slain till they had returned in peace. That is, not one was slain before or after they had returned. God saith to his divine Son: Sit on my right hand till I make thy enemies thy footstool. Shall he sit no longer after his enemies are subdued? Yea and for all eternity. St. Jerome also proves by Scripture examples, that an only begotten son, was also called firstborn, or first begotten: because according to the law, the firstborn males were to be consecrated to God; Sanctify unto me, saith the Lord, every firstborn that openeth the womb among the children of Israel, etc. Ex. 13. 2.