Product Overview
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.
Reviews
"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
"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