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The book of Matthew is home to some of the most controversial topics in the Bible. From the Sermon on the Mount to the explanation of the fulfillment of the Law, there is no end to the myriads of debates sparked on these very issues. Fortunately, for the serious Bible scholar, one needs to look no farther than the Bible itself to realize the answers to these very arguments can be found in Jesus' words. Christ's words are plentiful, especially in Matthew, and have the effect of discrediting wrong doctrine and disentangling those who are caught up in the legalisms surrounding Jesus' sermons and comments concerning the Law. Matthew was renowned for his shorthand skills and has done society a great justice by penning Jesus' words verbatim for our spiritual learning benefit. Without further ado, the record will be set straight in relation to the Sermon on the Mount details, Law fulfillment, and what it means to be a true follower of Christ.

This self-titled gospel was named for its author after his name change. Before Jesus chose him as a disciple, Matthew's name was Levi; his occupation, a tax collector. And while his profession was one of the most mendacious, the job requirements prepared him for penning Jesus' words verbatim during each of His prominent discourses, the Sermon on the Mount being the most notable. This requisite skill is known as shorthand, which therefore made Matthew a distinguished stenographer. It is for this very reason that his gospel is the longest of the four, and it is here that we find the Jewish side of Jesus' ministry. Until the Pharisees blasphemed the Holy Spirit in chapter twelve, the focal points of Jesus' preachings were directed towards the Israelites. As we shall soon see, however, Jesus also includes the Gentiles in His ministry, for it was His desire that none should perish.

During the first few chapters of Matthew, we are faced with Jesus' childhood and baptism. Matthew wastes little time in driving right to the punch; he presents Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount in chapter five. This turns out to be one of the most controversial and misunderstood chapters in the entire Bible, as many try to rationalize and opinionate different viewpoints regarding the applications of the Beatitudes. Jesus mentioned eight categories of the Spirit-filled; those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for His sake.

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