A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

by Craig S. Keener, Matthew the Apostle

In this volume Craig Keener focuses on two aspects of the interpretation of Matthew. First, he analyzes the social-historical-rhetorical contexts of both Matthew and his traditions. Second, he examines the nature of Matthew's exhortations to his Christian audience pericope by pericope. Since it is impossible to reconstruct the precise social situation of Matthew, Keener casts a wider net and considers the general eastern Mediterranean, perhaps Syrian, Jewish context of Matthew. A close comparison of the issues raised in the Gospel with what we know elsewhere of late first-century Jewish-Christian relations provides the basic picture of the issues faced by the Matthean community.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference

1040 pages, Hardcover

First published July 13, 1999

About the author

Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of many books, including Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, the bestseller The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels, Gift and Giver, and commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, and Revelation.

Reviews

[Sean Meade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, recommended book. Keener shows his usual scholarship, especially in the area of NT cultural background.

Two minor quibbles: Sometimes I think he makes too much of the references to works from other cultures. Do we have enough data to draw conclusions from? Second: I think he engages historically skeptical scholars too much. Since that's not his position, I don't see the point in referencing them so much.

[Scott Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough commentary, academic, but not so heady it loses touch with the greater themes. Very consistent, very adapted to pastoral help, very insightful. I truly appreciate Keener.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thorough commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. I've found it to be a helpful resource for biblical/theological and NT cultural research as well.