How to Use This Commentary The King now begins His public ministry. Read this passage in three movements: (1) The right time (v.12), (2) The right place (vv.13–16), and (3) The right message (v.17). Key: Jesus steps into history at the perfect moment, in the perfect place, with the perfect message. Where would you launch... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
A woman, filled with shame, encounters Jesus at a well who claims to be the Messiah. After their conversation, she invites others to meet Him, leading many to believe in Him. The significance of Jesus' identity as the Messiah is explored through biblical prophecies, particularly Isaiah's writings that foreshadow His suffering and role as Redeemer.
Introduction Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth. 16 I heard the size of their army, which was 200 million mounted troops. (Revelation 9:15-16) Having to face an army of 200 million would cause any... Continue Reading →
How did Judas die? By hanging as Matthew states or by falling as Luke reports? A biblical contradiction? Let's see!
Do our Bibles contain an error in Matthew when he credits a prophecy to Jeremiah instead of Zechariah? Let's explore together.
With Matthew as our Morgan Freeman, we are guided through Herod's attempt to murder Jesus brutally; if the king succeeds, the means of salvation and good news for all people, the Savior, is eliminated. Unlike Roger, who had a positive impact on WWII despite his failed attempt to escape, the murder of a young Jesus has no positive effect. As we look at these verses, we see God's protection of His Son and His earthly parents; more prophecy fulfilled confirming Jesus as the King descended from David and thus the Messiah, and application for today.
What's so special about a baby's birth that a large part of the world celebrates it in one way or another at Christmas? Matthew explains why Jesus' birth is nothing short of a miracle and what His miraculous birth means for all who believe in Him.
Matthew's Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah, highlighted through His genealogy that links Him to Abraham and David. Despite many Jews rejecting Him, the genealogical account serves to affirm Jesus' divine purpose and fulfill Messianic prophecies. Notably, the inclusion of marginalized women exemplifies God's grace for all humanity.
Matthew 4:1-25 describes the testing of Jesus in the wilderness, his victory over temptation, and the beginning of his public ministry in Galilee. Jesus calls his first disciples, preaches repentance, and heals the sick, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating his authority as the Messiah. Use this free commentary to help you study this power chapter of Matthew's gospel.