The Literary Arrangement of Matthew 8-9

Scholars have noted that Matthew 8-9 is carefully arranged with miracles grouped in threes. After each cycle of miracles is a section of teaching on discipleship and/or mission.

Cycle One
1–Jesus cleanses a leper (8:1-4)
2–Jesus heals a centurion’s servant (8:5-13)
3–Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law (8:14-17)

Teaching (8:18-22)

Cycle Two
1–Jesus calms a storm (8:23-27)
2–Jesus heals two demoniacs (8:28-34)
3–Jesus heals a paralytic (9:1-8)

Teaching (9:9-17)

Cycle Three
1–Jesus raises a girl and heals a woman (9:18-26)
2–Jesus heals two blind men (9:27-31)
3–Jesus heals a mute man (9:32-34)

Teaching (9:35-38)

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What Part of Scripture . . . ?

You know this: what part of Scripture . . . 

• was written by an apostle
• had a multiple and circular readership
• had readers in Asia
• had an opening where you can discern the Persons of the Trinity
• had the word “blessed” in the opening verses
• spoke of testing faith
• had the phrase “revelation of Jesus”
• ascribed praise and honor and glory to God
• spoke of angels
• spoke of Jesus as a Lamb
• used temple language
• spoke of an earthly ruler
• mentioned spirits in prison
• spoke of Jesus in heaven
• declared that the end was near
• mentioned “elders”
• foretold Christ’s return
• promised a crown of glory
• featured warnings about the devil
• used the word Babylon
• extolled God’s eternal kingdom
• talked about a “morning star”
• warned against false prophets
• spoke of angels committed to chains
• referred to Sodom
• promised vindication for the godly and punishment for the ungodly
• mentioned Balaam
• specified a “thousand years”
• prophesied that the heavens would pass away
• held out hope for a new heavens and a new earth

The answer? The letters of 1-2 Peter, of course. Surprised? Well, pray tell, what book were you thinking of?