Literary and historical context · Gospel
World, setting, and sequence
Keep places, audiences, sequence, and historical claims clearly labeled.
Use this page with the passage open. Follow the references, test each conclusion, and return to the whole book for context.
A clear route through the whole book
The units preserve the book’s order. Read the surrounding passage whenever a unit crosses a chapter boundary, and do not let a memorable verse replace the argument or story around it.
- Matthew 1:1–17A written genealogy and family-line visual connecting Abraham, David, exile, and Jesus without placing generations in one literal gathering
- Matthew 1:18–25Joseph considering what to do, receiving the angelic message in a dream, and taking Mary as his wife
- Matthew 2:1–12Magi arriving in Jerusalem, following the star, and worshiping the young child in the house with their gifts
- Matthew 2:13–23Joseph leading Mary and the child toward Egypt by night, followed by the family’s return to Nazareth
- Matthew 3:1–17John preaching in the wilderness and baptizing Jesus in the Jordan as the Spirit descends like a dove
- Matthew 4:1–25Jesus resisting temptation in the wilderness, calling fishermen by the sea, and teaching and healing throughout Galilee
- Matthew 5–7Jesus teaching the Sermon on the Mount to disciples and a wider crowd in a natural hillside setting
- Matthew 8:1–9:38A sequence of healings, the storm stilled, demons driven out, and Matthew called from the receipt of custom
- Matthew 10The twelve receiving authority and instructions before being sent to Israel’s towns
- Matthew 11–12Jesus answering John’s messengers, inviting the burdened to rest, and confronting Sabbath accusations
- Matthew 13Jesus teaching from a boat and the parables pictured through seed, soils, weeds, treasure, pearl, and net
- Matthew 14John’s imprisonment aftermath, the five thousand fed, and Jesus approaching the disciples across the water as Peter steps out
- Matthew 15Jesus confronting tradition that hides heart corruption, the Canaanite woman persisting, and another crowd fed
- Matthew 16Peter confessing Jesus near Caesarea Philippi and then resisting the announced path toward the cross
- Matthew 17The Transfiguration, disciples overwhelmed, and Jesus healing the suffering boy after descending the mountain
- Matthew 18Jesus placing a child among the disciples and teaching about humility, wandering sheep, reconciliation, and forgiveness
- Matthew 19–20Jesus welcoming children, speaking with the rich young man, teaching the vineyard workers, and healing the blind near Jericho
- Matthew 21Jesus entering Jerusalem on the donkey, cleansing the temple, and confronting leaders through parables
- Matthew 22–23Jesus answering traps about tribute, resurrection, and the great commandment before lamenting over Jerusalem
- Matthew 24–25Jesus teaching on the Mount of Olives with parables of watchfulness, stewardship, and final accountability
- Matthew 26:1–30The woman anointing Jesus, Judas arranging betrayal, and the Passover meal with bread and cup
- Matthew 26:31–75Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being arrested, questioned before Caiaphas, and Peter denying him in the courtyard
- Matthew 27:1–44Jesus before Pilate, led toward crucifixion, and raised on the cross
- Matthew 27:45–66Darkness, Jesus’ death, the torn veil reported, burial in Joseph’s tomb, and the sealed guard
- Matthew 28:1–20The women finding the opened tomb, meeting the risen Jesus, and the disciples receiving the commission in Galilee