Iftiraat Injil Matta

Iftiraat Injil Matta (The Fabrications of the Gospel of Matthew) is a critical study of the Gospel of Matthew written by Baha al-Nahhal in 2011, focusing on textual analysis, source criticism, and historical evaluation of the Gospel's unique narratives Iftiraat Injil Matta.

Thesis and Core Arguments

The book presents a critical textual analysis arguing that the Gospel of Matthew contains 1,070 statements, of which 606 are borrowed directly from the Gospel of Mark (representing roughly 90% of Mark's content) and 128 are cited from Old Testament texts Iftiraat Injil Matta+1. Al-Nahhal contends that rather than conducting independent historical investigations or visiting the locations of the reported events, the author of Matthew altered, added to, and excerpted earlier material to serve a theological objective: demonstrating that Jesus of Nazareth was the awaited Messiah predicted by Hebrew prophets Iftiraat Injil Matta+1. The author also notes that the text of Matthew makes no internal claim of divine dictation or guidance by the Holy Spirit Iftiraat Injil Matta.

Structure and Themes

The work systematically examines episodes and theological claims distinctive to Matthew, analyzing nine primary topics:

1. The Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem: Critiqued as an unhistorical narrative modeled on Old Testament accounts (such as Pharaoh and Moses) and misapplying verses from the Book of Jeremiah, while lacking corroboration from other Gospels or contemporary historians Iftiraat Injil Matta+1.
2. The Star of Bethlehem: Evaluated as an astronomically implausible narrative fashioned to align with Balaam's prophecy in the Book of Numbers Iftiraat Injil Matta+1.
3. The Flight to and Return from Egypt: Analyzed alongside historical and geographical details regarding the reign of Herod's sons, Archelaus and Antipas Iftiraat Injil Matta+1.
4. The Davidic Lineage of Jesus: A critical review of the genealogical claims presented in the opening chapter Iftiraat Injil Matta.
5. The Virgin Prophecy in Isaiah: Examining the quotation and application of Isaiah's text Iftiraat Injil Matta.
6. Jesus and the Sign of Jonah: Discussing the typology connecting the burial of Jesus to the prophet Jonah Iftiraat Injil Matta.
7. The Trinitarian Formula: Examining the addition and authenticity of the baptismal formula in Matthew 28:19 Iftiraat Injil Matta+1.
8. The Resurrection of the Saints: Questioning the report of resurrected saints entering Jerusalem Iftiraat Injil Matta.
9. Peter, the Church, and the Rock: Analyzing the passage establishing Peter's authority Iftiraat Injil Matta.

Method and Sources

In constructing his critique, al-Nahhal draws upon chronological and archaeological data, particularly the dating of Herod the Great's death (4 BCE) compared to historical estimates of Jesus's birth (around 2 BCE), arguing that this historical discrepancy undermines the nativity accounts in Matthew Iftiraat Injil Matta+1. The book frequently cites modern Western biblical scholars and historians—including Raymond E. Brown, Paul L. Maier, E. P. Sanders, Geza Vermes, William Barclay, and R. T. France—to support its textual and historical assessments Iftiraat Injil Matta+1.