Which Gospel is primarily aimed at a Jewish audience and emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?

• A. Luke
• B. Mark
• C. Matthew
• D. John

Answer: (C)

The Gospel of Matthew is primarily aimed at a Jewish audience and emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This focus is evident throughout the text, where Matthew frequently references Hebrew Scriptures and highlights how Jesus' life and mission align with the prophetic writings.

Matthew starts with a genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage back to Abraham and David, which would resonate strongly with a Jewish readership by affirming Jesus’ rightful place in Jewish tradition. The author also uses phrases like "that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled," indicating a deliberate effort to connect Jesus' life and actions to the Messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament.

Additionally, the structure of Matthew's narrative often reflects teachings and laws from the Torah, further reinforcing his aim to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish expectations for the Messiah. This focus on prophecy and the relevance to Jewish identity sets Matthew apart from the other Gospels, which target broader or different audiences and themes.