Matthew
An Interpretation Bible Commentary
Published on 14. November 2023
Book
Hardback
344 pages
978-0-664-26429-1 (ISBN)
Description
This inaugural Interpretation Bible Commentary volume on Matthew by Mark Allan Powell brings theological and pastoral sensitivity to the text, exploring how the Gospel of Matthew might be understood today by readers who receive it as its intended audience. It leads us to understand how the church can embody God's abiding presence in the world, to explore how biblical ethics can remain relevant for ever-changing situations, to consider healthy interfaith dialogue between Jews and Christians, and to move progressively toward values of compassion, mercy, justice, and love. Powell's exegesis emphasizes the Gospel's sustained critique of coercive power and its support for children, immigrants, and other vulnerable or marginalized populations. It also makes an honest assessment of the text's legacy, exposing unfortunate ways that it has been used throughout history (e.g., to justify Crusades and colonialism, or to sanction sexism, racism, and anti-Semitism). The volume also offers summaries of 17 prominent themes developed throughout Matthew, with cross-references to discussions of individual passages, and provides several excursuses that illuminate special topics such as worship, the Sermon on the Mount, the presence and absence of Jesus, stewardship, and Jewish responsibility for the death of Jesus.
Emphasizing sound critical exegesis with strong theological sensibilities, the new Interpretation Bible Commentary series features innovative interpretive approaches that help readers engage the biblical text as a source for participating in the larger social world. These new volumes, written by an array of new and diverse authors, are designed to meet the needs of clergy, teachers, and students by inviting readers into the lively work of careful biblical interpretation for the purpose of faithful exposition. Through its engagement with Scripture, the Interpretation Bible Commentary series illumines our relationship with God, one another, and creation so that readers are propelled with new understanding and energy for fulfilling God's claims on us in our rapidly changing contexts.
Emphasizing sound critical exegesis with strong theological sensibilities, the new Interpretation Bible Commentary series features innovative interpretive approaches that help readers engage the biblical text as a source for participating in the larger social world. These new volumes, written by an array of new and diverse authors, are designed to meet the needs of clergy, teachers, and students by inviting readers into the lively work of careful biblical interpretation for the purpose of faithful exposition. Through its engagement with Scripture, the Interpretation Bible Commentary series illumines our relationship with God, one another, and creation so that readers are propelled with new understanding and energy for fulfilling God's claims on us in our rapidly changing contexts.
Reviews / Votes
"Powell is a masterful interpreter and guide. First-time students of the First Gospel will appreciate his conversational tone, honesty, and ability to move between the past and the present. Preachers and teachers will find fresh, perceptive insights, obvious but rarely noticed. Powell summarizes Matthew's key themes in the introduction and references them throughout the commentary, taking deeper dives in timely excursuses. By the end of the journey, readers will have a deep appreciation for both the Gospel and the guide who led them through it."-R. Alan Culpepper, Dean Emeritus, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University
"This engaging and highly readable commentary will become a standard resource for preachers, teachers, seminary students, and anyone looking for deeper insight into Matthew's Gospel. Especially helpful is the introduction in which Powell lays out 'themes' of the Gospel that are woven throughout. Powell brings together a wealth of recent scholarship and shows how new perspectives are helpful for reflection, interpretation, and application."
-Cynthia M. Campbell, President Emerita, McCormick Theological Seminary, and retired pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY
"Powell's lifetime of study of Matthew's Gospel culminates with this thoughtful and well-informed study. Readers will find much that is helpful in this commentary provoking many insights and further engagement with the Gospel text."
-Warren Carter, Meinders Professor of New Testament, Phillips Theological Seminary
"As did its illustrious forerunner, the new Interpretation Bible Commentary series offers clergy, teachers, and students one of the richest interpretative resources for biblical inquiry and homiletical engagement. Integrating literary, historical, theological, and pastoral insights from an inclusive group of preeminent scholars and teachers, these volumes reflect the major shifts in interpretative strategies for a dramatically changing contemporary context. Whether one is leaning into research or preparing to preach, these volumes will be a formidable resource."
-Brian K. Blount, General Editor of the Interpretation Bible Commentary series, and President Emeritus, Union Presbyterian Seminary "For those interested in encountering Matthew's gospel on its own terms, this volume is a helpful resource."
--The Bible Today "Powell has produced a fresh and engaging commentary." -Review of Biblical Literature "For anyone who wants to understand the Gospel of Matthew, this should be their first commentary." --Review by R. Alan Culpepper in Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Louisville
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
707 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-664-26429-1 (9780664264291)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2023
Westminster John Knox Press
€38.99
Available for download
Person
Mark Allan Powell was Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio until his retirement in 2018. He is editor of the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary and author of numerous books on the Bible including the widely used textbook, Introducing the New Testament. Powell has served as Chair of the Matthew Group and of the Historical Jesus Section for the Society of Biblical Literature.