Matthew: A Commentary: The Churchbook, Matthew 13-28

by Frederick Dale Bruner

Widely praised as a masterly commentary on Matthew when it first appeared, Frederick Dale Bruner's study of the First Gospel is being reissued as a greatly expanded two-volume work following six years of careful refinement, enrichment, and updating.

Bruner's work is at once broadly historical and deeply theological. It is historical in its use of great church teachers through the centuries -- particularly Chrysostom, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Henry, Bengal, and Schlatter -- as well as of the classical Christian creeds and confessions. It is theological in that it seeks after the doctrines in each passage, chapter, and section of the Gospel. Consciously attempting to bridge past and present, Bruner asks both what Matthew's Gospel said to its first hearers and what it says to readers today.

The first volume is called "The Christbook because Bruner sees Matthew 1-12 as focused on the nature and work of Christ. The second volume, titled "The Churchbook, presents the final chapters of Matthew as concerned primarily with the life of the church and personal discipleship. For Bruner, then, the Gospel of Matthew is profoundly relevant to contemporary congregations and to the pastors and theologians who guide them. His new work now stands among the best in the field.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Christian, Theology, Reference

854 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 1990

Reviews

[Chris Theule · Rating 5 out of 5]

This concludes the 10 year long journey through Bruner's massive 2 volume commentary set on Matthew. It's amazing.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

his has been a marvellous journey through the Gospel of Matthew. I’ve been deeply blessed, challenged, inspired and encouraged in this 2nd of two volumes on Matthew by Bruner.

I don’t always agree with the Author but he does make me think and it is good to re-evaluate your understandings. I very much appreciate his use and insights of Luther and Calvin, as well as his coverage of Catholic thought (and the more scholarly side of Protestantism). So whilst scholarly in some senses, this commentary does not get too deeply into the underlying Greek nor does it stay too long in the various academic debates (neither are ignored). In fact, like the first volume, I found this to be a very readable commentary - and do think this is much value in reading the whole two volumes as the Author takes us on a remarkable journey through the Gospel of Matthew.

I’ve found this book to be a valuable one as a Pastor - not only inspiration for Sermons, but also for Bible Studies and Devotionals.

[Chad D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. A touch less outstanding than vol 1's sublimity on the Sermon on the Mount. Oddly enough, the discussion of the Passion was a bit disappointing. Few new insights into what was going on there. But insight picked back up re: resurrection and, especially, mission.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 2 of Frederick Dale Brunner’s highly-respected commentary on the Book of Matthew is even more massive than the first volume. It checks in at over 800 pages. As was the case with the first volume, whatever introductory discussion he wants to have is found in the preface. Page 1 picks up with Matthew 13 and the commentary carries on through the end of the book. All the superlatives of volume 1 are repeated in this volume. Theology is its greatest contribution. Though it must’ve taken Bruner years to write this large-scale work, there’s no tapering off toward the end. The last chapter of Matthew is given the same quality work as the first. I’m glad to have this volume for the type of extra insights it delivers.

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.

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so, so good. I don't always agree with Bruner's conclusions, but I don't ever think I've read a portion of his commentaries where I haven't gotten some help. Challenging always, really beautiful in parts. I wish more commentators would adopt a style like his.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though we come from different church backgrounds and I disagreed on several topics throughout this book was a great go to for quick takes and deeper cuts as I preached through Matthew. I recommend this commentary

[Timberly Eckelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely indespensible for teaching Matthew.

[Wayne Kinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in the late 80's. Well worth the read!

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burners Matthew commentary is honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read. Regardless of genre. I can’t get enough of it.

[Luke Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t get any better than this.
I’ve had regular preaching ministry for 20 years and this is my favorite commentary ever.

Thanks Pastor Bruner