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Michael Mitchell
Supporter
My opinion on why Mathew is the first book of the NT is because it outlines Christ's genealogy. It is to first show that Jesus came from the root of Jesse;that our Lord did indeed come from the lineage that had been prophesied. To Jews, lineal establishment was very important. It was one example, if not the major example, of Our Lords birthright as Messiah to the Jews.
Grant Abbott
Supporter
The apostle Matthew records his version of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18-25, and verse 18 begins "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about." Matthew wrote his gospel to Jewish Christians to provide his record of the birth, life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Matthew knew these Jewish Christians were familiar with the Old Testament so he deliberately shows how prophesies are fulfilled in Jesus life, proving that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. He shows the genealogy of Jesus to prove he is the Son of David. He shows God's intervention through messages from angels announcing the virgin birth, and quotes Isaiah: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means God with us." Finally, the angel instructs Joseph "You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Jesus’ mission was to the chosen people of God, the nation of Israel. Once the people of Israel had an opportunity to hear the gospel and respond, then Jesus formed the church to send the gospel around the world. Matthew wants his Jewish brothers and sisters to believe in Jesus and receive the same salvation he did. Matthew wants the Jewish believers to be strengthened in their faith so they can withstand opposition and persecution from unbelieving Jewish leaders. It makes total sense, based on the growth and development of the early church, that Matthew's gospel would be the first book of the New Testament.
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