Bible Discussion Thread

I would first say that within Theological circles, Matthew is believed to be the first evangelist to author the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I might add, what better way to begin the Doctor of Ministry Program than with the first of the Synoptic Gospels. At the outset of Matthew's Gospel, he incorporates 14 generations, from Abraham to David the King, to Jesus. This same lineage establishes Jesus as the King of the Jews. I contend that Matthew's Gospel was written specifically for a Jewish audience as gentiles are not mentioned. Prophesy had foretold the coming of a virgin, which would birth a child. Jews were subject to the Mosaic Law. According to Mosaic, having Sex out of wedlock was just cause to be stoned to death. Joseph wanted to avoid public notoriety regarding his wife Mary, as they had not consummated their matrimony; yet she was pregnant. Mary's dilemma caused Joseph to contemplate putting her away privately. The term to put away speaks to divorce and possibly death, as infidelity was cause for death, according to Mosaic Law. The Angel of the Lord intervenes by way of a dream and informs Joseph that the unborn child was the gift of God. I might add that within Scripture when there is a reference to the Angel of the Lord, they are speaking of God Almighty. The Angel of the Lord instructs Joseph to name the child, Emmanuel.