Heidegger's Bible Handbook: Matthew: Argument of the Book

4. The argument of the book.

The Calling of St. Matthew

Matthew narrates in fine and historical order, with admirable digestion of events and light, the birth of Christ, and those things that preceded the revelation and public function of His office. But, when He began to engage in His office, he explains how and what sort of disciples He choose, what method of teaching He followed, what and in what manner He taught, what great miracles He everywhere performed, and how He endowed the people with enormous blessings:what He did publicly, what privately with adversaries, what with friends, what with the infirm and sinners, what with the obstinate and scorners. Moreover, he sets forth for what virtues He was illustrious, what example of life He furnished, and what great things He authoritatively broke through.Finally, he commemorates how He sprung forth from Judah to the Jews, and by them was mocked, condemned, delivered to the Gentiles, and most shamefully treated by them, crucified, dead, and buried, but arose on the third day, showed Himself resurrected to His own, ordained sacred rites and ceremonies, and promised the help of His gracious protection.