Reading Matthew: A Literary and Theological Commentary

by David E. Garland

Reading Matthew provides thorough guidance through Matthew's story of Jesus. Garland's commentary reveals the movement of the story's plot while also highlighting the theology of Matthew. Reading Matthew is an essential book for students and ministers studying the first Gospel.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology, Christian

273 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

About the author

David Ellsworth Garland (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate dean for academic affairs and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is the author of numerous books, including award-winning commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Mark.

Reviews

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this work. This is not a long commentary and so it is not very detailed. However, it is good on bringing out the theological perspective of Matthew and sensitive to the literary construction of the book (thus the title). I can't say I always agree with Garland's conclusions but I really find this an edifying read, even when I disagree (which actually isn't very often). And this is a well written commentary; it is a pleasure to read and not at all like chewing sawdust (like some commentaries are). Reading this is what made me interested in reading his volume on 2 Corinthians in the NAC series (which is also good).

Garland does a good job of tracing themes in Matthew. Of all the commentaries I have used for Matthew, this is one of a small lot that I always come back to and usually the first one I grab and with which I read the other more detailed ones in conversation. I also always consult Peter Leithart's 2 volume commentary in the "Through New Eyes" set. Garland and Leithart are my two conversation partners when I consult the bigger standard exegetical works on Matthew.

[Eric Molicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful for initial work on Matthew.

[Nicholas Varady-szabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garland has written an insightful commentary, interpreting the major themes and topics of Matthews gospel.

[Neil White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good insights and a relatively short volume on Matthew.

[Vinnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book for the basics on the historical exegetical background of Matthew. It gives wide exposure to the girth of ancient documents that offer insight into our understanding of the life and times of Jesus and the Jews of his time.
The weakness of the book is that it offers little expository textual analysis. However, if your goal is to learn more of the big picture of the book of Mathew and the documented support for the times and life of Jesus then this is your book.
Lastly, I found the theology of this book to be scholarly conservative.

[Wayne Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little commentary is a gem. I'm preaching through Matthew right now and I find more helpful material here than most other commentaries on Matthew that I own. Wonderful theological insights and illuminating references from the Old Testament and inter-testamental literature. I only wish it was a little longer and more detailed. If you're thinking of preaching or even just leading a Bible study on Matthew, this volume will not let you down.

[Mike Bradham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very helpful resource when I was preparing to speak on Matthew 2.