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#37. The Structural outline of Matthew,
exhibiting key words and correspondences.
pp. 86 - 89
Having seen that the four Gospels form a unity, though each of them has its own
individuality and its subject matter so chosen that it will develop and illustrate the
peculiar purpose set before the writer of each; we shall now endeavour to set out some of
the essential differences and so arrive at a just appreciation of the individual purpose of
each.
First of all we must seek the underlying structure, then the disposition of its subject
matter, and learn by the inclusion or exclusion of certain facts and features what the
distinctive message of each record may be. Here however the reader is caused to halt by
reason of the many outlines and structures that men of God have offered. Bengel in his
"Gnomon of the New Testament" published in 1742A.D. has set the course for one type
of analysis which has influenced many subsequent writers. It occupies six pages of print,
and cannot be reproduced here. Its main divisions are:
(1)
The nativity, and the matters immediately following (1: 1 - 2: 23).
(2)
Our Lord's entrance on His ministry (3: 1 - 4: 11).
(3)
The deeds and words by which Jesus proved Himself to be Christ (4: 12 - 16: 12).
(4)
Our Lord's prediction of His passion and resurrection (16: 13 - 20: 28).
(5)
The events at Jerusalem immediately before the passion (21: 1 - 25: 46).
(6)
The passion and resurrection (26: 1 - 28: 20).
In recent times, the outlines prepared by Dr. Campbell Morgan are suggestive, and
even if the reader is conscious that the alliteration may sometimes have run away with the
theme, these outlines are nevertheless worthy of attention and respect. Dr. Campbell
Morgan's outline of Matthew is in the main threefold, with many subdivisions which we
cannot here reproduce.
Matthew 1: - 4: 16. The Person.
(1)
Relation to earth
1: - 3: 12.
(2)
Relation to heaven
3: 13-17.
(3)
Relation to hell
4: 1-11.
Matthew 4: 17 - 16: 20. Propaganda.
(1)
Enunciation of law
4: 17 - 7:
(2)
Exhibition of benefits
8: - 9: 34.
(3)
Enforcements of claims
9: 35 - 16: 20.
Matthew 16: 21 - 28:
The Passion.
(1)
His Cross and His subjects
16: 21 - 20:
(2)
Rejection of Hebrew nation
21: - 23:
(3)
Prediction
24:, 25:
(4)
Passion
26: - 28: