The Gospel of Matthew, Vol 1

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What was the original purpose of the Gospel of Matthew? For whom was it written? In this two-volume commentary, Walter Wilson interprets Matthew as a catechetical work reflecting the ideological and institutional concerns of disaffected Jewish followers of Jesus in the late first century CE. Wilson argues that Matthew's Gospel serves as both a continuation of the biblical narrative and a didactic text aimed at shaping the identity of a beleaguered minority. The text emphasizes Jesus's Jewish identity as the "Son of David," while contrasting him with contemporary religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, and illustrating his openness to non-Jews. Through careful analysis of the Greek text and relevant sources, Wilson provides valuable insights into the first book of the New Testament. The introduction covers the text's background, genre, literary features, and theological orientation. Wilson then offers detailed commentary on each passage, addressing the intended messages to first-century readers regarding morality, liturgy, mission, group discipline, and eschatology. Scholars, students, pastors, and readers interested in the distinctiveness of Matthew among the Synoptics will find Wilson's contextualization of the text both enlightening and beneficial, drawing from his extensive study of the New Testament and Christian origins.