Those who began the “5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan” by Navigators in January will begin reading the book of Matthew on about April 7.

Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, and one of the four Gospels that tell the Good News of Jesus the Christ. Most Bible scholars believe this book was written by the Apostle Matthew, one of the Twelve Disciples.

Matthew begins his Gospel with the genealogy and birth of Jesus Christ. It also tells of the visit of the Maji or Wise Men, and King Herod’s attempt to kill the Christ child by killing all male children up to two years of age in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. Matthew’s account is strong in affirming that Jesus is the Messiah who brings salvation to Israel and all the world.