Drawing on great church teachers through the centuries and on the classical Christian creeds and confessions, this book asks both what Matthew's Gospel said to its first hearers and what it says to readers today. It shows how the focus of Matthew shifts, from Jesus teaching about who he is to teaching mainly about what his church is.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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