This commentary from one of our generation's foremost New Testament scholars will appeal to a wide range of readers. The work both explains Matthew's Gospel in light of the most relevant settings of Matthew's day and highlights Matthew's theological message. At the same time, its style and layout are extraordinarily readable.

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Ben Witherington has given us a thorough, insightful, and creative commentary on Matthew's Gospel. Readers will be grateful for the clarity of his analysis and writing, as well as for the evident passion he has for his subject. Especially helpful is his 'sapiential reading' of the text, a reading which offers intriguing angles of vision from which to view Jesus and the early Christian community.

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Whereas kingship is often seen only in terms of power, Ben Witherington shows how Jesus, for the evangelist Matthew, is king precisely because he embodies divine Wisdom. The self-giving love of Wisdom incarnate, not the military conquest of a worldly king, fulfills and perfects the kingly office of establishing justice among human beings. Witherington is at his best in providing a historically erudite commentary, attentive to the insights of the Fathers of the Church and pastorally engaged from within the Methodist tradition.

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This substantial commentary presents an interpretation of Matthew that is notable for its remarkable clarity and accessibility but without any compromise of scholarly excellence. Its highly respected author has packed the volume not only with superb exegesis, historical-cultural information, and theological discussion, but also with abundant practical wisdom. Witherington is consistently engaging, interesting and helpful. This appealing commentary is beautifully produced, with photographs as well as pictures of art works. Here is a book that will handsomely reward its readers in a variety of ways, but most importantly in the excellent help it provides for understanding the Gospel of Matthew. Enthusiastically recommended!

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This lucid, informed, and engaging volume combines historical-critical insight, pastoral sensitivity, and Evangelical fidelity. Particularly notable are Witherington's recognition of the Matthean Jesus as a figure of Wisdom, his argument for the Gospel's Galilean setting, and his attention to the political and material cultures of antiquity.

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