7. The Gospel of Matthew

Introduction to New Testament (RLST 152)

The Gospel of Matthew contains some of the most famous passages that both Christians and non-Christians are familiar with. However, Matthew also presents itself paradoxically as preaching a Torah observant Christianity and a Christian mission that seeks to reach gentiles. The figure of Jesus in Matthew is that of a teacher, the founder of the Church, and the model for the apostles and Matthew's own community. Matthew seems to be writing for a church community that needs encouragement to have faith in a time of trouble.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Matthew: The Most Famous Gospel
12:29 - Chapter 2. Jesus and the Torah in Matthew
22:08 - Chapter 3. The Foundations of the Church in Matthew
27:51 - Chapter 4. Jesus as a Model for the Disciples
35:44 - Chapter 5. The Stilling of the Storm in Matthew

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Spring 2009.