10
into Matthew 16:18 at all. We now have sufficient data to build the complete structure of the Gospel according
to Matthew, not by alliteration however useful such a method may be, but by recording the actual facts as found in
the Scriptures.
Matthew
A
1:1 to 3:16.
From Birth to Baptism.
The ministry of John the Baptist.
"Born King of the Jews".
a
B
3:17. The Voice from Heaven.
b
4:1-16.The Threefold temptation
Son of
of the King.
c
David
4:17. Time. "From that
the King
time ... began".
d
16:16-18. Confession "The
Christ" su eipas "Thou hast said".
In this section comes the Sermon on the Mount, giving rules for guidance during the rejection of the
King. In this section also come the Parables of Matthew 13, showing the character of the kingdom, its mystery
phase, during rejection.
B
c 16:21.
Time. "From that
time ... began".
a 17:5. The Voice from heaven.
Son of
b 26:36-44. The Threefold agony of the Priest the King-Priest.
Abraham
d 26:63,64. Confession "The
Christ" su eipas "Thou hast said".
In this section the parables are largely connected with service during the absence of the Lord. The
Sermon on the Mount changes to Prophecy on the Mount and speaks of the end of the "mystery" phase of the
kingdom, by the personal presence of the King in glory.
A
27,28. From Baptism of suffering to
birth in Resurrection. Ministry of those
who are to baptise all nations.
"This is Jesus the King of the Jews".
This structural outline is put forward, not as in any sense exhaustive, but suggestive. To produce a complete
structural outline of a book containing twenty-eight closely packed chapters as those of the Gospel according to
Matthew, is beyond our range in this booklet. Such however could be built up by the student working methodically
within the bounds now presented.
The two time periods, chapters 4:17 and 16:21, are decisive factors in the division of the Gospel. The two
"voices" and "confessions" supplement, and the threefold temptation of chapter four finds its complement in the
threefold agony of chapter twenty-six, and in both the tempted Saviour emerges triumphant. When we come to
compare the Gospels, we shall then be able to throw into relief those distinctive teachings that will demonstrate
without peradventure the key note of each Gospel, although as the reader will remember we have tentatively put
forward the well-known headings " Matthew, the King; Mark, the Servant; Luke, the Man; John, God.
The Distinctive Character of both "Mark" and "Luke".
After detailing a series of differences observable between the Gospel of Mark with that of Matthew and Luke,
A.W.F. Blunt, B.D., in the Clarendon Bible, says of Mark's gospel :