This Gospel is written by Matthew most likely in Antioch Syria sometime around 50-60AD. Antioch was one of the first centers of outreach to the gentile world. Although the primary audience of this Gospel is Jewish Christians who were being severely persecuted. There was a complete silence between Matthew and the last book of Old Testament Malachi. A silence of almost 400 years. So you can imagine that how this book addresses the expectation, longing and waiting of the people for the coming Messiah. This book therefore from the very beginning keeps its connections with the Old Testament by starting first with the genealogy of Jesus and that how firmly it is rooted in the history of God’s people. He is the son of David the king and Abraham the patriarch. In the account of Jesus’ birth, there are at least three prophecies that are fulfilled. It also looked connected with OT as it speaks more than 30 times regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew counterbalances the popular Jewish belief that the Messiah would be a military leader who will establish the Kingdom of David. Remember Jesus means savior and Christ means Messiah another name given to Jesus in OT was Immanuel which means God is with us. The whole book can be divided into five major sections narrating the origin, birth and person of Jesus, his Passion, Trial, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. ★☆★ CONNECT WITH NIV Live Audio Bible ON SOCIAL MEDIA ★☆★ Facebook: / nivlive Twitter: / thenivlive Pinterest: / nivlivebible Website link: www.nivlive.com