Abstract
Matthew's phrase "this gospel of the kingdom" is not found elsewhere in the Second Testament. There are distinct signs that Matthew uses this expression in reference to his own document. This conclusion follows from a study of the parallels in Matthew to Deuteronomy as "this book of this law," a unique First Testament designation. Deuteronomy describes itself as a book to be placed beside the holy ark every time it was read to the people. Accordingly, it contained the living, authoritative voice of God from the fiery Mount Sinai. Thematic parallels in Matthew, especially to the mountain of authority, indicate that the Gospel's author likewise intended his book as this gospel of the kingdom to be read perpetually to the people as the living voice and teachings of the son of God.
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