Gospel of Matthew
- Zion Jeng
- 5月24日
- 讀畢需時 6 分鐘
已更新：16小时前
This book is based on oral Bible study sessions on the Gospel of Matthew, conducted by the speaker every Sunday afternoon in Manila, Philippines, in 1974, together with a group of young brothers and sisters who were devoted to the Lord and earnestly seeking Him. These studies took place .
The recorded notes have been slightly refined and compiled into this book as a reference for Testimony Bible Reading. May the Lord grant wisdom and the spirit of revelation so that, as readers diligently study the Scriptures, they may receive greater light, teachings, illumination, cleansing, and nourishment from the Lord, leading to a purer and more abundant spiritual life!
I. Introduction to Testimony Bible Reading
Over generations, books on biblical interpretation have accumulated, becoming a precious spiritual heritage for the church. Whether for foundational faith or the edification of truth, they provide rich nourishment and guidance to believers.
2 Timothy 3:16 states: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the person belonging to God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This verse tells us that Scripture originates from God's inspiration and serves to teach, correct, and guide believers into righteousness, enabling them to grow in spiritual maturity and be prepared for good works—this is the fundamental understanding of the verse.
However, if we delve deeper, we discover that the phrase "All Scripture is inspired (revealed) by God" carries a profound and elevated meaning. It speaks of God’s eternal plan, His will, and His purpose, which He desires all believers to pursue, understand, and ultimately fulfill.
To accomplish God's eternal plan and fulfill His heart’s desire, believers need to advance in spiritual growth through Bible reading. The maturity of a Christian’s inner life, the increase of Christ's stature in the church, and the victorious testimony of individuals and congregations all require further strengthening. Thus, learning how to read the Bible in a way that daily provides spiritual nourishment and enables spiritual growth is a pressing priority for believers today.
John 6:63 records: "Jesus said, 'The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.'" This verse clearly explains that the Lord’s words are meant to supply spiritual life. Just as the Israelites were sustained for forty years in the wilderness by manna, believers grow and live spiritually through God’s Word.
The prophet Jeremiah once said: "Lord God of Hosts, when Your words came, I ate them; Your words were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name." (Jeremiah 15:16) Again, this shows that Scripture is God’s Word—it is spiritual food, life, and strength, allowing believers to grow spiritually, live powerfully, and have the strength to overcome.
John 5:39 records Jesus Himself saying: "You study the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me." This reveals that the Bible is a testimony to Christ’s divine and supreme authority.
First, through the Word of God in the Bible, we receive eternal life. As 1 Peter 1:23 states: "You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
Second, through the word of God in the Bible, we live out the testimony of Christ. When God's Word enters the believer, it becomes life—this life is the life of the Son of God, which grows within and manifests Christ, and be a testimony of Christ.
This way of reading the Bible—where believers are transformed to live out Christ's testimony—is called "Testimony Bible Reading".
In other words, Testimony Bible Reading means reading Scripture to receive divine illumination and apply spiritual principles to a believer’s daily life, work and service, knowing Christ, experiencing Christ, and ultimately living out Christ
II. Basic Principles of Bible Reading
A. Understanding the eternal nature of the Bible
God is the eternal God (Psalms 90:2)
An eternal plan as blueprint
Revealing the Bible through the eternal Spirit
The Bible transcends time and space and is applicable in every era and place
B. Understanding the present nature of the Bible
God is the eternal God, yet He is also the God of the present.
With God, there are no time limitations—everything is "now". (Hebrews 13:8)
Every part of the Bible is applicable to present-day spiritual experiences.
C. Understanding that the content of the Bible is Christ
The Bible is the manual that reveals God's Son, Christ (Luke 24:44-45).
The central figure of the Bible is Christ.
Through explicit texts, prophecies, symbolic representations, historical narratives, and poetry, the Bible expresses Christ.
D. Understanding the infinite spiritual meaning of the Bible (Ephesians 3:8)
The Bible contains literal facts.
Spiritual meaning is revealed through these literal facts.
Because Christ is spiritual, heavenly, eternal, and infinitely rich, the Bible’s spiritual significance is also limitless
E. Understanding that the interpretation of the Bible depends on the revelation of the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Ephesians 1:17; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11)
The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit; therefore, only the Holy Spirit can interpret it.
Knowing Christ requires revelation, so interpreting the Bible also requires the revelation of the Holy Spirit (John 15:26).
III. The Spiritual Principles and Application of Testimony Bible Reading
A. Clearly understand the literal meaning of the Bible
Understand the literal meaning of the Bible
Comprehend the spiritual significance of Biblical text
B. See illumination and spiritual principles with the revelation of the Holy Spirit
Receive the illumination given by the Holy Spirit through the literal text of the Bible.
Gain revelation from the Holy Spirit through biblical facts to understand spiritual principles.
C. Apply the illumination and spiritual principles in life, work and ministry
Apply the literal meaning of the Bible in daily life, work, and service.
Practice the spiritual significance of biblical texts in life, work, and service.
Apply the illumination revealed by the Holy Spirit in life, work, and service.
Apply the spiritual principles received through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in life, work, and service.
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Conclusion: Reflection after reading Gospel of Matthew
Key Verse: "The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1)
Reflection: Jesus is King. He not only holds the rightful position but also exemplifies the life of a king. Based on the key verse, the characteristics of His kingship are outlined below:
A. Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34)
The first notable trait of Solomon, the son of David, is wisdom, which reveals a king’s life.
Solomon’s wisdom was unparalleled (1 Kings 3:12), as seen in the famous ruling where he proposed to divide the infant in dispute.
Jesus Christ is full of wisdom: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." (Matthew 22:15–22)
Christ is the answer to all problems: "What do you think about the Christ?" (Matthew 22:42)
B. Authority (1 Kings 4:20–28)
Solomon exercised great authority, displaying the life of a king. He ruled over many nations, and peace prevailed in his kingdom (1 Kings 4:21–24).
Jesus Christ possesses supreme authority:
His teachings were with authority (Matthew 7:29).
He healed the sick and cast out demons (Matthew 8:1–34).
He calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23–27).
C. Peace
Solomon’s name means “peace.” He was a king of peace, and his kingdom enjoyed tranquility, demonstrating the life of a king (1 Kings 4:24–25).
Jesus Christ embodies peace:
He is gentle and humble in heart, giving rest to those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28–29).
He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing humility and peace (Matthew 21:1–11).
Isaiah prophesied that His name would be "Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
D. Building the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1)
Solomon built the temple, and God was pleased (1 Kings 8:11–12).
Jesus Christ is building His church (Matthew 16:18).
Among the four Gospels, only Matthew records Jesus speaking about building the church.
Between Christ’s ascension and second coming, His work is to build the church (Ephesians 4:11–13).
E. Death and Resurrection (Genesis 22:1–14)
Isaac, the son of Abraham, was placed on the altar (Genesis 22:1–14).
His offering prefigured death and resurrection (Hebrews 11:19).
The life of a king is marked by death and resurrection, signifying complete victory:
Like a grain of wheat that dies and bears fruit.
Jesus Christ went through the cross, death, and resurrection:
He did not resist when arrested (Matthew 26:50–52).
He did not come down from the cross or save Himself (Matthew 26:53).
He died on the cross (Matthew 27:50).
He rose again (Matthew 28:5–6).
He received all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18):
The life of a king is a life of dominion.
His resurrection secured His reign.
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