Eagle Method
Matthew
Survey the river, map the reading-plan targets, and follow the current around the verses that anchor this book in the tour.
Reading plan: 5:17, 16:6 and 28:18-2028 chapters in viewIf you have extra time, also read 5:1-29
1
Survey The River
Build the lens first: who wrote the book, when it was written, who heard it first, and why it exists.
Question 1
What is this Gospel writer's distinct angle on Jesus?
Question 2
What is Jesus saying or doing — and how do witnesses react?
Question 3
What does this scene show me about the Kingdom?
The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the three synoptic Gospels. It tells the story of who the author believes is Israel's messiah (Christ), Jesus, his resurrection, and his mission to the world. The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. Matthew wishes to emphasize that the Jewish tradition should not be lost in an increasingly gentile church.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
2
Map The River
Mark the chapters, find the target verse inside its chapter, and remember where that moment lives in the book.
Target Verses
Read These In NIV
The Eagle page defaults to NIV, but you can switch to any version supported by the main app.
Showing NIV
16:6
NIV28:18-20
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28
5:17
Sits at verse 17 of 48 in chapter 5.
Book position: chapter 5 of 28
Chapter position: Verse 17 of 48 in chapter 5
16:6
Sits at verse 6 of 28 in chapter 16.
Book position: chapter 16 of 28
Chapter position: Verse 6 of 28 in chapter 16
28:18-20
Spans verses 18-20 of 20 in chapter 28.
Book position: chapter 28 of 28
Chapter position: Verses 18-20 of 20 in chapter 28
3
Follow The Current
Trace the flow around each target chapter so the verse lands inside its surrounding argument, story, or theme instead of floating loose.
Chapters 4-6
Context windowChapter 4
Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him. He preached and healed the sick.
Chapter 5
Target zoneJesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart. I have come to fulfil the law. Whoever is angry will be judged. I say, love your enemies."
5:17
Connects to
- Exodus 20 — The antitheses build on the Decalogue.
- Leviticus 19:18 — 'Love your neighbor' framed against 'hate your enemy'.
Chapter 6
"Do your good deeds in secret. Pray, 'Father, your kingdom come.' You cannot serve God and money. Do not be anxious about your life."
Chapters 15-17
Context windowChapter 15
Jesus challenged the Pharisees about tradition. He healed a Canaanite woman's daughter. He taught on the mountain and fed 4,000 men.
Chapter 16
Target zonePeter said, "You are the Christ." Jesus told them that he must be killed and be raised. He said, "Take up your cross and follow me."
16:6
Connects to
- Daniel 7:13-14 — 'The Son of Man coming in his kingdom' draws on Dan 7.
Chapter 17
Jesus took Peter, James and John and was transfigured. A voice said, "This is my son." Jesus healed an epileptic. Peter paid the tax.
Chapters 27-28
Context windowChapter 27
Jesus was handed over to Pilate. The crowd said, "Crucify him!" He was mocked and crucified. Darkness fell and he gave up his spirit.
Chapter 28
Target zoneThe women went to the tomb. An angel said, "He has risen!" Jesus met them. He came to the eleven and said, "Go and make disciples."
28:18-20
Connects to
- Daniel 7:14 — 'All authority' echoes the Son of Man's universal dominion.