These studies are not intended as a comprehensive commentary on Matthew's Gospel. They are written in recognition of the fact that the four gospels are 'portraits' of Christ, not biographies. The focus is therefore on the special characteristics of Matthew's Gospel, especially his portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah, the Son of David, the coming righteous King of God's heavenly kingdom on earth, to which both Jews and Gentiles are invited by the call of the Gospel.