The New Testament is a collection of the religious teachings and beliefs of Christianity. …show more content…
The author of Matthew did not seem to think of Christianity as something that involved a definite break with the Jewish religion. Instead, he considered Christianity as a continuation and fulfillment of the Old Testament. The author pointedly shows that Jesus' teachings are compatible with Judaism, and Jesus' life fulfills the old testament prophecies. He uses a familiar past, relating prior teachings that the people of the time are familiar with, focusing on the fulfillment of the Old Testament and quoting it often. However, he challenges mere external obedience to religious law, valuing instead an internal spiritual transformation. Matthew's purpose in writing to the Jews was to show them that Jesus of Nazareth was the expected messiah and both his genealogy and his resurrection were legitimate proofs of …show more content…
The ancestry is traced on the side of Joseph, although the author later definitively states that Joseph was not Jesus' father. Following the genealogy is an account of the wise men's visit to Jesus' birth site, Herod's attempt to destroy the newborn child, and the flight into Egypt for the child's protection. After the death of Herod, the family returned and settled in the Galilee town of Nazareth, which, according to Matthew, fulfilled another Old Testament prophecy.
All that ancient Israel had looked for with hope and high expectation is now to be fulfilled in the Christian church. Ancient Israel was given the Law through Moses, and now the new Israel has received another and even higher law in the teachings of Jesus. The basis for membership in the new Israel is neither race nor color nor nationality nor anything other than the character of individuals who believe in Jesus and put their trust in him. Believers will come from both Jews and Gentiles and from all parts of the