The Gospel of Matthew

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2 December 2006

Matthew Chapters 5-8

These three chapters of the New Testament , attributed to the apostle Matthew are often called "The Sermon of the Mount " Many Christians and biblical scholars view these chapters as the essence of the teachings of Jesus . This book was probably originally written in Greek in the first century A .D . At the time Israel was a province of Rome and subject to Roman law . Tiberius Caesar was emperor and any religions that did not

feature the emperor of Rome as a god were subject to suspicion investigation and persecution by the Romans

Allegedly taken place in the vicinity of Jerusalem , Jesus sits among Jewish people and teaches his philosophy of God and the relation of those people worshipping him . He begins with numerous statements that offer blessings to those who suffer and those who are righteous and pursuers of peace . He tells the people to be loving , forgiving , and to behave ethically . Jesus introduces an interesting concept when he includes intention in many of his prescriptions . Not only were believers to not commit adultery as demanded by the Ten Commandments , but they were not even to look at a woman lustfully (Matthew 5 :27-30 . Not only must one not commit murder , but one must not be angry with his brother (Matthew 5 :21-22 . In essence Jesus has introduced the notion of intention into his ethical system . He disavows the system of strict rules as practiced by the Pharisees and other Jewish sects , and demands that the people not only do good , but do so intentionally . Following the law is not enough . Jesus opens a route between God and men that does not require the interpretation of the scholars and clergy . In effect , Jesus turns God into a personal god

The consequences of this act would be felt throughout the history of Western Civilization the crusades , the Reformation and the settling of the New World were affected by the teachings of Jesus related throughout the Christian Gospels

Works Cited

The Holy Bible : New International Version

Grand Rapids , Michigan : Zondervan Bible Publishers .Yourlastname PAGE 3...