Be Loyal (Matthew): Following the King of Kings

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

Matthew's gospel focuses on the Kingship of Christ—that Jesus is Lord of Lords, the Messiah, the One promised by the prophets of old. While the Jews were looking for a political king to save them from Roman oppression, God sent them and the rest of the world a different type of Savior—One who would reconcile God's people to himself, once and for all.Pastor, author, and Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe highlights significant cultural and historical aspects that arise in Matthew's gospel to paint for readers a clearer picture of this glorious, unexpected, but all-satisfying King of Kings.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Nonfiction, Theology, Religion, Devotional, Spirituality

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1980

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought fresh thoughts to Jesus' parables. Half of the book dealt with the last week of Jesus' life and His return to earth sometime in the future. Having read the gospel of Matthew many, many times, I was surprised at how many refreshing new thoughts Wiersbe presented in his book.

[Judith Noameshie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I am so glad I have gotten this commentary! Mr. Wiersbe explains the Bible with clarity wife using easy to understand words. This commentary is for everyone, even a new believer can benefit from this! I am so glad I also got the others in the Gospel series.

[Bob Mendelsohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

His ultra dispensational reading of some sections were uncomfortable, and his misunderstanding of some Jewish things showed too well, but generally, Wiersbe is the easiest read commentator for popular commentaries on biblical books.

[John]

Must read for further understanding the Gospel of Matthew.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of Matthew.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever, Wiersbe provides insight and challenge. Excellent

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Be Loyal (Matthew): Following the King of Kings, Warren Wiersbe notes that we don’t have any recorded words of the apostle Matthew in any of the gospels. Even in his own book, he didn’t write about himself: he wrote about “Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1).

Matthew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He had been a tax collector when Jesus called him to follow. Wiersbe comments, “Being accustomed to keeping systematic records, Matthew gave us a beautifully organized account of our Lord’s life and ministry” (p. 18).

I don’t think I had considered before that “Matthew’s gospel is the bridge that leads us out of the Old Testament and into the New Testament” (p. 17), but I see it now.

The Old Testament is a book of promise, while the New Testament is a book of fulfillment. . . .God promised a Redeemer; and Jesus Christ fulfilled that promise. Fulfilled is one of the key words in the gospel of Matthew, used about fifteen times.

One purpose of this gospel is to show that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament promises concerning the Messiah.

Matthew used at least 129 quotations or allusions to the Old Testament in this gospel (p. 18).

Matthew wrote topically rather than chronologically. He gave the history and heredity of Jesus in His birth and genealogy and then laid out His credentials. “He recorded at least twenty specific miracles and six major messages” (p. 19). He related Jesus’ character, principles, and power. He shared how Jesus taught and trained His disciples and how He was betrayed, suffered, died, and rose again in victory.

A few more quotes that stood out to me:

Jesus also fulfilled the law in His teaching. It was this that brought Him into conflict with the religious leaders. When He began His ministry, Jesus found the Living Word of God encrusted with man-made traditions and interpretations. He broke away this thick crust of “religion” and brought the people back to God’s Word. Then, He opened the Word to them in a new and living way—they were accustomed to the “letter” of the law and not the inner “kernel” of life” (p. 49).

In Matthew 6: 22–23, Jesus used the illustration of the eye to teach us how to have a spiritual outlook on life. We must not pass judgment on others’ motives. We should examine their actions and attitudes, but we cannot judge their motives—for only God can see their hearts. It is possible for a person to do a good work with a bad motive. It is also possible to fail in a task and yet be very sincerely motivated. When we stand before Christ at the judgment seat, He will examine the secrets of the heart and reward us accordingly (Rom. 2: 16; Col. 3: 22–25) (p. 66).

This dramatic incident [in 8:28-34] is most revealing. It shows what Satan does for a man: robs him of sanity and self-control; fills him with fears; robs him of the joys of home and friends; and (if possible) condemns him to an eternity of judgment. It also reveals what society does for a man in need: restrains him, isolates him, threatens him, but society is unable to change him. See, then, what Jesus Christ can do for a man whose whole life—within and without—is bondage and battle. What Jesus did for these two demoniacs, He will do for anyone else who needs Him. Christ came to them, and even braved a storm to do it. This is the grace of God! He delivered them by the power of His Word. He restored them to sanity, society, and service (p. 79).

Why compare God’s Word to seed? Because the Word is “living and powerful” (Heb. 4: 12 SCO). Unlike the words of men, the Word of God has life in it, and that life can be imparted to those who will believe. The truth of God must take root in the heart, be cultivated, and be permitted to bear fruit. It is shocking to realize that three-fourths of the seed did not bear fruit (p. 108).

“Why did Jesus walk on the water? To show His disciples that the very thing they feared (the sea) was only a staircase for Him to come to them. Often we fear the difficult experiences of life (such as surgery or bereavement), only to discover that these experiences bring Jesus Christ closer to us (p. 124).

Many Christians have the mistaken idea that obedience to God’s will produces “smooth sailing.” But this is not true. “In the world ye shall have tribulation,” Jesus promised (John 16: 33). When we find ourselves in the storm because we have obeyed the Lord, we must remember that He brought us here and He can care for us (p. 128).

As we look into the Word of God, we see the Son of God and are transfigured by the Spirit of God into the glory of God (p. 150).

“Come and see!” was followed by “Go and tell!” (p. 266).

As always, Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary was a great companion through Matthew.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best of Wiersbe's Be Series commentaries that I have read. I appreciate his outlines, his research of the history behind the events, his knowledge of scriptures and how he pulls in Exodus or other books to show the background for an event or prophecy. It was a helpful guide in studying the book of Matthew.

Wiersbe interpreted Matthew 13 differently than I had heard before. He said that the parables about the kingdom were about God buying the field or pearl of great price and giving up all He had, His life, to save us. He bought the world to save the treasure of believers hidden within it We are the pearl of great price.

I appreciated his insights into Matthew 27. His statements on PG 760-761 in the digital book on how 3 miracles happened simultaneously helped me understand more about the results of the crucifixion.

First, the veil in the temple tore in half which signifies that the Holy of Holies was now open. Wiersbe said that ended sacrifices, but I think it's more than just that. I think the torn veil means we have access to God without priests because Yeshua is a superior priest. And I think it means there are no more sacrifices needed because the final lamb had died and his death served as payment for everyone's sins. The curse of death for sinning was abolished.

Wiersbe said that the earthquake showed the power of God over death, and that there was resurrection life after death. The tombs were opened and the dead were alive. I didn't understand what Wiersbe said about the earthquake showed how Messiah conquered the law? He fulfilled the laws requirements. But how does the earthquake show that Yeshua conquered the law? Maybe Wiersbe meant He fulfilled the law's requirements and conquered the curse of the law, eternal death.

I didn't agree with all of his outlines. Sometimes I saw things that Wiersbe didn't such as seeing the Messiah in Psalm 41. I see David speaking, although verse 9 could be applied to Messiah as well as Wiersbe said. But overall I thought this was one of his best commentaries.

[Sara Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Well written and organized with the text. Lower stars because there were a couple of parts (not many) that were a bit of a stretch concerning the Bible, so I would advise to proceed with caution or maybe hesitate giving it to a younger believer. Overall, a helpful tool that we used in Sunday School.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just completed my Bible study on Matthew using Charles Stanley's Life Principles NASB along with this study guide by Wiersbe. I found this study guide very useful and enlightening. I highly recommend it to help the average person get more out of their Bible study.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually this book was the longest on commentary, for this is the first book in the New testament. This commentary also long, but not that long compared to other commentary. Partly this is a christology, but also the commentary on teachings.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneficial

This commentary has really helped me with my study of the book of Matthew. It has insightful information and really explains and expounds on the teaching of Matthew. It's helpful if you really want to understand Matthew better.

[Marla Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow!

This book was incredible! It has given me such encouragement and I have loved reading it along with my Bible.

I’m doing a study in the New Testament so I highly recommend if you ever want to study the book of Matthew

[Sandy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book along with my Bible readings every day from The MacArthur Daily Bible. What a treasure it was to me as I read the Book of Matthew!

[David Cowpar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wiersbe is great.

[Greg Mitchell]

All of Warren Wiersbe's commentaries are clear and understandable

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great study by Wiersbe. Really helps dig into the Bible.

[Kelsi Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ He gets a little wild with his parable interpretations…but I enjoyed them anyway and the book was well done. Definitely some helpful insight for an up close look into Matthew.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warren Wiersbe's Commentary Series "Be" is absolutely one of the best and most understandable of them all. I use it to supplement my Sunday School lessons.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wiersbe explains passages and brings in details from other Gospels when helpful. He also mentions local customs and history where relevant.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, down-to-earth summaries of each chapter in the book of Matthew. Like a commentary for the average person. I really appreciated Wiersbe's thoughts and explanations.

[Tigerlily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This word translated "meek" was used by the Greeks to describe a horse that had been broken. It refers to power under control."
"Prayer prepares us for the proper use of the answer. If we know our need, and if we voice it to God, trusting Him for His provision, then we will make better use of the answer than if God forced it on us without our asking."
"The important thing about prayer is not simply getting an answer, but being the kind of person whom God can trust with an answer."
"It is important to note that Jesus faced the enemy as man, not as the Son of God."

[Joe Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like a conservative pastor leaning over your shoulder rather than a more academic commentary. While the Greek is sometimes engaged in general it is the words of an experienced preacher writing from thoughtful notes that dominate.
While I don't know that I agree on every point, the lion's share of the comments are quite good. A lot of thought went into this work and it is very solid for devotions over the course of a month or ideas for teaching.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights

Wiersbe has a way to take the difficult to understand parts of Scripture and make it understandable. His insights cause the reader to stop and think.