Matthew

The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries

by William Foxwell Albright, C.S. Mann

This is volume twenty-six of "The Anchor Bible", a new translation done book-by-book with accompanying introduction, notes, and comments."Matthew" is the most familiar of the gospels, best known for its parables, miracle narratives, and the long Sermon on the Mount. Recognized by the early Church as the most fitting introduction to the "New Testament", its special concern is to announce Jesus as the fulfillment of the "Old Testament". Hence its emphasis on the Law, on ethics based on the traditional theology of the Covenant, and on the centrality of Messianic hope.This commentary sets the understanding of "Matthew" in the context of its author's own religious and secular background. Believing that the text should be approached directly, the writers of the commentary make constant use of the recently discovered historical and linguistic evidence now available to elucidate it. This approach results in placing Jesus firmly within the framework of ascertainable Jewish tradition in first-century Palestine.The writers hold that the claim of Jesus to fulfill the Law and not to abolish it must be taken seriously. They have therefore taken a fresh look at the legal discussions in Matthew. In the light of their examination, there emerges first a revaluation of the meaning attached to such key words as "parables" and "hypocrite" and then a new and vital significance for such words.The result is a new respect for "Matthew", a highly reliable early source for the ministry of Jesus, and an examination of that ministry uncluttered by the presuppositions of various forms of modern "Platonism."

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Reference

576 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1971

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely not written for the casual student. As an example, there's a great deal of time spent on the minutiae of translation from ancient Greek and Aramaic. I hoped for an analysis and commentary that was more accessible for the average modern reader.

[Ryan Daley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Anchor Bible series... And this is no different. It helps give great insight into Matthews Point of View in authorship which helps understand his emphasis. However, I give it three stars because you really have to enjoy academic discussions on these things.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction is helpful to anyone who wants to learn more about the Gospel of Matthew. It is also encouraging to those who believe one of the disciples was a man named Matthew and was the one responsible for the gospel. This scholarly work defends the traditional view.

[Alan Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Anchor Bible volumes can be a slog. But there's much in there. This one sheds shade on the "Q" theory. I'm not sure the rebuttal is all that powerful, but I am glad to have read it.