The New Testament begins with the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the birth, life, and ministry of Jesus Christ. This pivotal transition marks the shift from the Old Testament‘s covenant to the New Covenant, emphasizing grace, redemption, and the fulfillment of prophecy. 

It starts with the arrival of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus and highlighting the Messiah‘s role in transforming the spiritual relationship between God and humanity. 

Although the chronology of events may vary across its books, the New Testament establishes a new era, rooted in the teachings of faith, salvation, and hope for eternal life through Jesus, as foretold in the scriptures.

Key Features of Matthew’s Gospel

The Book of Matthew, often considered the first book in the New Testament, holds profound importance in Christian thought. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew meticulously connects Jesus to the lineage of Abraham and David, establishing His identity as the promised Messiah and rightful King of the Jews. 

This Gospel serves as a bridge between the two Testaments, grounding Jesus’ story in centuries of Jewish tradition and prophecy.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with one of the most striking features: the genealogy of Jesus Christ, recorded in Matthew 1:1–:16. This lineage is not a dry list but a declaration that Jesus is the culmination of promises made to David and Abraham. 

The genealogy emphasizes fulfillment by connecting Jesus to key patriarchs and demonstrates that the era of the Messiah has finally arrived. 

The genealogy also highlights a universal truth—God’s redemptive plan includes unexpected people and broken circumstances, making Jesus accessible to all humanity. 

This theme continues as Matthew lays out the birth story of Jesus Christ, fulfilling multiple Old Testament prophecies.

The New Testament Era: Where Does It Start?

The New Testament officially begins with the birth of Jesus Christ, chronicled in Matthew 1:18. This pivotal event signals the start of the New Covenant. For centuries, the Old Testament set forth a relationship built on the Law of Moses, sacrifices, and prophecies about a coming Messiah. 

The New Testament introduces a covenant based on grace, embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel not only marks this shift but explicitly sets up Jesus as the long-awaited Savior for both Jews and Gentiles.

Matthew 1:18-25 records the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing divine intervention. This is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, stating, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 

This moment underscores how Jesus’ arrival is not accidental but is part of God’s long-planned design.

Composition and Significance

The Book of Matthew was likely composed between A.D. 50 and 70 by the apostle Matthew, one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples. Its early writing date suggests that it was pivotal for instructing early Christians in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, making it an essential text for early Jewish Christians navigating faith in the Messiah.

From its composition, Matthew’s Gospel holds immense theological significance. It not only tells the story of Jesus’ life but provides a clear framework for understanding how His arrival fulfills the promises made in the Old Testament. 

It aligns critical moments—from the genealogy to His birth—with the broader spiritual narrative.

Structure and Content

The New Testament’s first book is uniquely structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jesus’ role. The Gospel begins with the genealogy and progresses through His birth, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. The organization showcases Jesus’ mission as the Savior and its cosmic significance.

The opening chapters of Matthew focus on Jesus’ connection to Jewish history and prophecy. The first chapter lists the genealogy tracing back to Abraham. The second chapter recounts the story of the Magi visiting young Jesus. 

This recognition of Jesus by wise men from the East highlights His universal kingship and positions Him as the light of salvation for all nations.

Opening Chapters

The opening of Matthew conveys theological depth. The genealogy reveals profound truths about God’s redemptive plan and divine inclusion. Notable figures like David, Abraham, and women like Rahab emphasize God’s work through unexpected avenues. This highlights how the Messiah arises from humble and challenging circumstances.

In addition, Matthew 2 depicts significant events like the flight to Egypt, fulfilling prophecies such as Hosea 11:1: “Out of Egypt, I called my son.” These stories reiterate the theological and historical weight of the New Testament’s beginnings.

Theological Significance

The New Testament begins with a divine shift from law-based covenantal worship to a faith-based approach centered on Jesus Christ. Jesus’ birth inaugurates the fulfillment of prophecy, as detailed in passages like Jeremiah 31:31–34, where God promises to establish a New Covenant. This covenant focuses on grace and redemption rather than the rigid structures of the Old.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus Christ is revealed as the promised Savior, the culmination of centuries of hope and expectation. This focus on the Messiah as a redeemer forms the backbone of early Christian teachings and reflects universal themes of salvation, justice, and divine love.

Key Themes at the Start of the New Testament

The themes introduced in the New Testament’s opening chapters resonate throughout Christian theology. Foremost is the idea of salvation through faith, embodied in the life of Jesus Christ. His genealogy, connecting Him to Abraham and David, affirms God’s promise of a Redeemer who would come from these patriarchs.

Another theme is the fulfillment of prophecy. From the virgin birth (Isaiah’s prophecy) to the declaration of Jesus as “Immanuel,” readers see how divine promises are realized. The Gospel emphasizes that these events were not random but purposeful, showcasing the continuity of God’s plan.

Transition from Old to New Testament

The shift from the Old Testament to the New Testament is monumental. The Old emphasized adherence to laws as outlined in the Law of Moses, rituals, and sacrifices to maintain a relationship with God. In contrast, the New Testament focuses on grace and faith in the person of Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s love for humanity.

Prophecies like those in Hebrews 9:15–17 and Jeremiah 31:31–34 illustrate that the Old Covenant served as a foundation for the New. As Jesus’ teachings and sacrificial death unfold, the transition becomes clear: the laws remain relevant but are fulfilled in the teachings of Jesus and His gift of salvation.

The Early Church and Beyond in the Start of the New Testament

The birth of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant led directly to the formation of the early Christian church. The apostles, including Peter and Paul, played pivotal roles in spreading this message beyond Jerusalem to Rome and beyond. 

Their writings, including the Epistles, form the backbone of Christian doctrine and reflect the central themes introduced in Matthew’s Gospel.

Through events like the Day of Pentecost, described in Acts 1:8, the message of grace and redemption became the foundation for the growing Christian community. 

The early church embodied the themes of the New Testament, carrying the story of salvation to diverse cultures and regions.

Historical and Spiritual Significance

The New Testament’s opening holds immense historical and spiritual value. It marks a departure from the Old Covenant, laying the groundwork for Christian theology, morality, and worship. Historically, the accounts recorded in Matthew connect Jewish traditions with the spread of Christianity.

Spiritually, the New Testament’s message is one of hope. As Jesus Christ’s life demonstrates God’s love and forgiveness, believers find guidance for moral and ethical living. His birth and teachings emphasize both continuity and renewal.

.1Maisha Johnson

Commentator Maisha Johnson notes, “The start of the New Testament is more than a historical moment; it is a spiritual awakening where ancient promises come to life.” 

Her studies reinforce the view that Matthew’s Gospel is a roadmap to understanding faith. By beginning with Jesus Christ’s genealogy and prophecies’ fulfillment, it helps readers bridge history and theology.

This transition from prophecy to reality, rooted in ancient Jewish tradition and fulfilled in the Messiah, is profound and transformational, illustrating God’s work throughout time. 

Matthew’s Gospel, starting with these connections, lays a strong foundation for understanding the narrative of the New Testament and the broader Christian faith.

Conclusion

The New Testament begins with the transformative account of Jesus Christ’s birth, ministry, and teachings, forming the cornerstone of Christian faith. Spanning the Gospels to Revelation, it narrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the establishment of the new covenant, and the early Church’s growth. 

For Christian readers, understanding this shift marks a deeper appreciation of the divine narrative of salvation and redemption. Whether exploring the Gospels’ message or the Epistles’ guidance, the New Testament offers timeless insights into faith, hope, and love. It is not just a historical document but a spiritual guide shaping lives through its eternal truths.