heaven” and “kingdom of God” interchangeably. In doing so, it sufficiently demonstrates that the two terms are meant to refer to one and the same thing: the kingdom. Although some make a labored distinction between them, this text and 10 others in the Gospels clearly show that the “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God” are verifiably synonyms. Matthew is the only NT writer who used the term “kingdom of heaven.” Doing so, he showed a sensitivity toward his originally intended audience of Jewish