Bible Reading Helps, Gen & Matt

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Genesis

Outline
I. Primeval History chs 1-11
A. Creation and Fall chs 1-3
B. Cain and Abel chs 4-5
C. The Flood chs 6-9
D. The populating of the world chs 10-11
II. Patriarchal History chs 12-50
A. Abraham chs 12-23
B. Isaac chs 24-26
C. Jacob chs 27-36
D. Joseph chs 37-50

Summary
The Book of Genesis takes us from the beginning of the world to the descent of Jacob and his family into Egypt. The first part of the book deals with the world as a whole, but after the Fall divides it into two separate lines—the line of promise and the line of judgment. The second part of the book deals with the development of the line of promise under the Abrahamic covenant, as that covenant is passed down to the sons of Jacob, who embody the promised people of God.

Suggested Commentaries
For general readers: Derek Kidner, Genesis, Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series.
For more technical use: Victor Hamilton, Genesis, New International Commentary series (2 vols.); G. Wenham, Genesis, Word Biblical Commentary series (2 vols.).
For devotional reading: Matthew Henry

Matthew

Outline
I. Jesus’ Birth and Baptism chs 1-4
II. The Sermon on the Mount chs 5-7
III. Calling the Disciples chs 8-10
IV. The Gospel of the Kingdom chs 11-13
V. The Time of Testing chs 14-18
VI. The Last Week, including the Olivet Discourse (chs 24-25) chs 19-25
VII. Crucifixion and Resurrection chs 26-28

Summary
The Gospel of Matthew is directed to a largely Jewish audience, focusing on Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and of his kingly messianic office. The book is organized around five extended “preaching” sections all ending in a similar fashion (see 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; and 26:1).

Suggested Commentaries
For general readers: Tyndale New Testament Commentary on Matthew by R. T. France; J. C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels. The latter are more thorough in John, but serviceable in Matthew.
For more technical use: D. A. Carson in Expositor’s Bible Commentary; also the larger works by Craig Blomberg (New American Commentary) and Craig Keener (published by Eerdmans, not the smaller work published by InterVarsity).