I N D E X
8
CHAPTER 1
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
(1)
Matthew Twofold in Scope
In order that the dispensational teaching of the Parables of the Kingdom (Matt. 13) may be seen in the light
of their context, the Gospel of Matthew must be considered as a whole. It is not the intention to give this Gospel
an exposition seriatim, but to exhibit its essential dispensational bearing. This we propose to do under the
following headings:
(1) To consider the Gospel as a whole, and to exhibit its twofold scope.
(2) To show the importance, dispensationally, of the Title `The Son of David'.
(3) To exhibit the purpose, teaching, and relation of the three main sub-divisions.
These main sub-divisions are as follows:
(a)
The Teaching given on the Mountain (5 to 7).
(b)
The Parables given at the Seaside (13).
(c)
The Prophecy given on the Mountain (24, 25).
The book opens with a statement which indicates with no uncertainty the theme of the Gospel:
`The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham' (Matt. 1:1).
The word `generation' (Greek genesis), means genealogy or pedigree, and indicates the first 17 verses of the
Gospel. Now it is a common saying among many that the Gospel of Matthew is the gospel of the kingdom.
This is true, but not true in the sense that some intend the words. We refer to that view of things that suggests
that Matthew 1:1 reads, `The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David' and stops there. This is
but stating half the truth. He was the Son of David. His genealogy establishes His right to the throne. He
therefore was truly King, and this Gospel sets forth this aspect so prominently that it merits the designation, The
Gospel of the King and kingdom. The other half of the truth that is needed to make perfect balance and to avoid
disproportion is contained in the words `the Son of Abraham'. This is a title that is wider than Israel and the
kingdom, and therefore we must be careful not to teach error either by unconscious suppression or by undue
emphasis.
Christ's ministry as presented by Matthew is twofold. First He is set forth as the Son of David, and then as
the Son of Abraham. Solomon the son of David is the great type of the kingly element; Isaac the son of
Abraham the great type of the Abrahamic feature. Now this twofold title of Christ not only divides the first
verse, but dominates the literary structure of the whole Gospel, and unless we see this we shall be liable to read
into that which pertains to Christ as Son of Abraham those things which belong to Him only as Son of David.
This twofold character can be clearly seen from the following:
The Gospel of Matthew
A Birth (genesis, 1:1-18)
B Baptism in water.
C Threefold temptation in wilderness. `Kingdoms of the World'
a 3:17. Voice from heaven,
D SON OF DAVID
`Beloved Son'
b 16:16. Confessed by Peter
(Solomon)
4:17. `FROM THAT TIME BEGAN JESUS TO PREACH' - Kingdom
D SON OF ABRAHAM  a 17:5. Voice from heaven,
`Beloved Son'
b 26:63,64. Confessed by the Lord.
(Isaac)