Matthew: Evangelist & Teacher (New Testament Profiles)

Rating:
Summary: A 300 page introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
Review: This work acts primarily as an introduction and summary of the gospel of Matthew, but it is not a commentary. France spends a good portion of the book discussing the authorship, date, and origin of Matthew. He takes the conservative route and argues that this gospel was written before 65 C.E. and that it was possibly written by Matthew, the apostle and tax collector. He finds no compelling reason to prove that this book was not written by the apostle, but he is clear to say that he is not dogmatic on this issue and leaves some room for doubt as to the author.

France then discusses the literary character and writing style of Matthew. He also covers some of the major themes found in this gospel including its focus on fulfilment, Israel, and the church. He brings a good deal of insight to many of these areas because he is willing to interact with a broad range of others who have written on Matthew. The bibliography contains an excellent list of resources for further study on the first gospel. If you're looking for an overview of Matthew without the commentary and written from a conservative viewpoint, then this book is for you.

Rating:
Summary: A 300 page introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
Review: This work acts primarily as an introduction and summary of the gospel of Matthew, but it is not a commentary. France spends a good portion of the book discussing the authorship, date, and origin of Matthew. He takes the conservative route and argues that this gospel was written before 65 C.E. and that it was possibly written by Matthew, the apostle and tax collector. He finds no compelling reason to prove that this book was not written by the apostle, but he is clear to say that he is not dogmatic on this issue and leaves some room for doubt as to the author.

France then discusses the literary character and writing style of Matthew. He also covers some of the major themes found in this gospel including its focus on fulfilment, Israel, and the church. He brings a good deal of insight to many of these areas because he is willing to interact with a broad range of others who have written on Matthew. The bibliography contains an excellent list of resources for further study on the first gospel. If you're looking for an overview of Matthew without the commentary and written from a conservative viewpoint, then this book is for you.