Matthew
Written by a tax collector, the book of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience. The author beautifully bridges Jewish tradition and the emerging Christian faith, emphasizing Jesus’ fulfillment of the Messianic credentials. One of the three Synoptic Gospels, Matthew provides an extensive genealogy, as well as a thorough account of Jesus’ life and ministry.
Epiphany
/ epiphanēs / adjective
Conspicuous, manifest, illustrious.
Magus
/ ma·gus / noun
A member of a hereditary priestly class among the ancient Medes and Persians.
Baptize
/ bap·tize / verb
Literally "to immerse" or "to wash." Refers to the Christian practice of immersing a new believer in water as an outward sign of the inward reality of regeneration. This regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit and may be received only by grace through faith. Considerable disagreement exists as to method of baptism (e.g., sprinkling vs. immersion) and who may be baptized.
A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis
Craig L Blomberg
Encountering the New Testament; a Historical and Theological Survey
Walter Elwell
Archeology and the New Testament
Richard Bauckham