The church and righteousness in the Matthean gospel

In his academic and ecclesiastical work Prof. A. le R. du Plooy constantly urged that church polity should be executed in such a manner that the church is built intensively and extensively. As a tribute to this respected colleague I examine the teaching in Matthew's Gospel (frequently called the ecclesiastical Gospel) on the nature and functioning of the church and how it should execute righteousness. I indicate how Du Plooy's approach to church polity complies with the first Gospel's teaching on the church and righteousness. I argue that a better understanding of Matthew's teaching will enrich the current church in its practice of righteousness.