Matthew A Commentary. Volume 1 The Christbook, Matthew 1 12 by Bruner, Frederick Dale [Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.,2007] (Paperback) Revised edition

by Frederick Dale Bruner

Matthew A Commentary. Volume 1 The Christbook, Matthew 1 12 by Bruner, Frederick Dale. Published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.,2007, Paperback Revised edition

Genres: Theology, Christian, Biblical Studies, Reference, Religion, Christianity

Paperback

First published June 1, 1987

Reviews

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for studying Matthew.

[Pat O'Keeffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were more commentaries like this one! Bruner gives close attention to the details of the text, but always with the goal in mind of working out the theological implications of Matthew's gospel. At times these implications can be a bit of a stretch, but they are always thought-provoking and eminently practical. And shouldn't a commentary on the text provoke your thoughts rather than simply agreeing with them?! Highly Recommend.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second commentary by Bruner and it did not disappoint! The only thing I hate is that he is not done more. Yes like all commentaries there are some bunny trails that are not needed but this commentary is so good I can’t say enough about it. I am excited I get to move into the second volume! It is gonna be great!

[Steve Penner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this commentary as I preached through the Sermon on the Mount. I had used Bruner's commentary when preaching through the Gospel of John and had found it to be the most helpful of any resource I used. This commentary was good but less so than John's. The exploration of Jesus's teachings was interesting and Bruner certainly puts a mainline twist on passages that evangelicals oftentimes fail to consider. He comes from the social gospel side of the modernist/fundamentalist breach, but maintains a fidelity to the Scriptures that keeps one foot in the other camp. I found some of his illustrations and applications a little tangential, a little time-bound and a little impractical. Not all certainly but enough to be noticeable. I will likely continue to use the book if and when I return to Matthew, but always with a couple of other commentaries alongside.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess that I looked forward to getting a look at this massive commentary on the Book of Matthew. Volume 1 alone looking at Matthew 1-12 reaches 600 pages! Eugene Peterson called this book a “theological wrestling with Scripture”– you’ve got to admit that sounds intriguing. The set was updated in 2004 which makes it fairly recent. The designation that I had heard of it being mildly critical and theologically powerful is justified. I had also been told that many question its exegetical conclusions, but you will appreciate it for its theological insights. The Book of Matthew is blessed with other commentaries that might be your exegetical first choice.

Whatever Bruner has to say on introductory matters for Matthew is given in the preface. I take it that the introduction is not the contribution to studies of Matthew that he intends to make. The commentary itself is thorough, thought-provoking, wide-ranging, and theologically astute. I see this commentary as a noble second. After you have a good start on the Book of Matthew, then pick this volume up to see things that you have missed. When I peruse this volume, I don’t see any regurgitation of some other book. Bruner delivers an original production. I love the second viewpoint; don’t you?

This one is worth looking up!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Timberly Eckelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is the premier commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.

[Chad D · Rating 5 out of 5]

of the very best of commentaries

[Brad Sarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 6 stars, I would. This is easily the best commentary I’ve ever read. Looking forward to part two!

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the many commentaries I used when preaching through the Gospel of Matthew. This one repeatedly had wise, seasoned insights on both the narrative of the text and the theological significance of the passage in question.

[Brice Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what you want a commentary to be. Slowly chew your way through Matthew with this gem.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterwork of a commentary. Bruner is concise and clear. He is also not afraid to admit where thought he was at fault in the past.

I would recommend it to anyone.

[Mike Neglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best commentary I’ve ever read. Gold on every single page.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (well the first half of the Gospel, I'll now move on to Vol 2), and one of the things I like most is that it is a readable commentary - not all commentaries feel "comfortable" reading them from cover-to-cover, but I think there is much value in doing so with this one. The Author has a strong liking for Luther and Calvin, as well as for many in Church History, and refers frequently to both contemporary and ancient authors on Matthew.

As a Lutheran Pastor, I found this to be a great commentary for preaching and developing Bible studies. It is not aimed at an intense examination of the Greek Text - though the underlying Greek is not ignored - so if you are after a more scholastic volume than this probably is not for you. However, if you want a commentary that seeks out what Matthew is all about, and how it fits in with rest of the New Testament (not just the other Synoptics) then this is a good one! I especially like that the Author frequently compares Matthew to Paul and John (and to Peter, James and even Hebrews) - and I he often clearly shows a complementary nature to the passages. He does clearly point out difficult passages, and is not afraid to point out where he changed his mind from when the 1st Edition came out - I like that sort of honesty.

After I finish the 2nd Volume, I plan to move on to his commentary on John and see what else he has published :)

[Nate Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible resource for preachers. Theological commentaries are so tremendously helpful, and this one is chalk full of practical wisdom, historical exegesis, and theological reflection. If someone was deciding what Gospel to preach through, I would almost say do Matthew just because you would have this resource to aid you. It is that good.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this commentary with a lunch book club. Very insightful verse by verse study of the first half of the gospel of Matthew. It’s a rare combination of deep theology and well researched history, while still being very readable. We’re on volume 2, The Churchbook now.

[Wayne Kinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two volumes originally published in the late 80's. Still a great set to read and own.