Matthew For Today

by Michael Green

Matthew's Gospel is one of the most important books in the world, for in it we have one of the fullest and most systematic accounts of the life and teaching, the death and resurrection of Jesus. Michael Green's book presents a chapter by chapter commentary on the Gospel of Matthew concentrating, as the evangelist himself does, on Jesus himself - his person, his infancy, his kingdom, his disciples, his enemies, his miracles and warnings, his example, his death and resurrection, his return and the mission of his Church. The author seeks to challenge, to motivate and to inspire the reader by presenting an exciting and challenging presentation of the person of Jesus. The author has also written "Baptism", "The Empty Cross of Jesus", "Freed to Serve", "I Believe in Satan's Downfall", " I Believe in the Holy Spirit", "New Life, New Lifestyle", "To Corinth with Love", "Why Bother with Jesus?" and "You Must be Joking!".

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1989

About the author

Edward Michael Bankes Green, known as Michael Green, was a British theologian, Anglican priest, Christian apologist and author of more than fifty Christian books. He served as the Canon Missioner of Holy Trinity Church in Raleigh, North Carolina through 2007.

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Reviews

[Bert van der Vaart · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely superb study of the book of Matthew by the very wise and literate ex-Rector of St Aldate's in Oxford, and then professor at Regent's College in Vancouver. Green unpacks the book, first across the beginnings of Jesus' coming to Earth, then his direct teachings/acts and discipling across Galilee--showing how Jesus confronts those who come to him for a response--rejection or recognition and worship; before then turning to the end game as Jesus moves on to Jerusalem ("shadows; Judgment, and the resurrection and the Christian life thereafter). Among the many and deep themes shown, Green shows how Jesus turned conventional wisdom/expectations of the the then religious leadership on its head. As a small example, he goes through the trial of Jesus by the emergency session of the Sanhedrin, showing the full irony of Caiaphas's statements ("better that one man should die than a whole nation", the "you would destroy the temple and raise it within 3 days") and how Caiaphas through his statements himself was judged rather than judging Jesus. Green also discusses the irony of women--who at that time were not even allowed to testify in court--were the ones who testified about the empty tomb, and how Peter and the other disciples after he Resurrection were willing to be martyred, whereas before they were inconstant and afraid (Peter's denial of Jesus). Jesus's willingness constantly to help Gentiles and sinners, while fulfilling all Old Testament prophecies must have been so annoying to the Sadducees and Pharisees--the religious establishment--but ultimately right. There are so many other themes and lessons beneath the surface of Matthews. Green writes very well, with great application and sense of humor. A joy to have gone through this book--although definitely in small increments and not at one sitting.

[Randy Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy reading "running" commentary on the Gospel of Matthew which makes good on its promises. It is more of sweeping overall look at Matthew, always cognizant of the context of a passage and the writing is more conversational than stuffy, practical more than details, clear instead of filled with word studies. I particularly liked the early chapters which layout the book in whole form and then dissected with charts and graphs. But overall, Green transfers his excitement and enthusiasm for his subject because he concentrates on Christ Himself and how and where and why he does and says what he says in this critical Gospel.