Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher

by R.T. France

This work by R.T. France is not intended to be a guide to all that has been written in recent years about Matthew. Rather, it is an extended introduction to Matthew designed for a non-specialist readership. France concentrates on those areas he finds most interesting and important for the appreciation of Matthew, but he does touch on most major areas of discussion in Matthean studies. Among other things, France covers Matthew's place in the life of the church, the order of the Gospels, Matthew in the post-apostolic church, reasons for Matthew's preeminence, Matthew in the modern church, and literary relationships and the order of composition of the Gospels.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology, New Testament, Reference, Religion

346 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1989

About the author

Richard Thomas France was a New Testament scholar and Anglican cleric, and Research Fellow in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Wales, Bangor.

Reviews

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

France's Introduction to Matthew is comprehensive, so comprehensive that I struggled to keep my eyes open reading it... Don't tackle this unless you have a scholarly level of interest in the background and themes in the book of Matthew.

[Matt Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

France's Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher is an excellent extended introduction to the Gospel of Matthew. Though the first four chapters are somewhat boring and technical (but important!), chapters 5-7 are especially rewarding and beneficial. France's chapters on Fulfillment, Matthew and Israel, and Matthew's Gospel and the Church would greatly benefit anyone desiring to understand the Gospel of Matthew better. I found these chapters to be particularly enlightening and edifying.

Though the back of the book says that its designed for a non-specialist readership, some parts of the book may be difficult for those without formal education. However, with perseverance it could be beneficial for any Christian and student of the Bible!

[Tommi Karjalainen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good! Each section engages with the relevant literature. Some other author might have titled the book "Matthew's Theology" but France avoids this: the book is not about theology but about a person, Jesus.