The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus as Israel, Volume 1

Through New Eyes Bible Commentary

by Peter J. Leithart

Peter Leithart’s exposition of the first twelve chapters of the gospel of Matthew is an enlightening and encouraging work. As usual Dr. Leithart provides the best of contemporary scholarship, coupled with the insights of the great students of God’s Word throughout history, resulting in a fresh perspective on the inspired text. This is a commentary that pastors will find extremely helpful in their studies, and laymen will enjoy reading as they seek to grow in their understanding of God's Word. Dr. Leithart has again accomplished something unique by writing both an insightful commentary as well as an inspiring devotional work.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2018

About the author

Peter Leithart received an A.B. in English and History from Hillsdale College in 1981, and a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1986 and 1987. In 1998 he received his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge in England. He has served in two pastorates: He was pastor of Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church (now Trinity Presbyterian Church), Birmingham, Alabama from 1989 to 1995, and was founding pastor of Trinity Reformed Church, Moscow, Idaho, and served on the pastoral staff at Trinity from 2003-2013. From 1998 to 2013 he taught theology and literature at New St. Andrews College, Moscow, Idaho, where he continues to teach as an adjunct Senior Fellow. He now serves as President of Trinity House in Alabama, where is also resident Church Teacher at the local CREC church. He and his wife, Noel, have ten children and five grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost everything I have read from Leithart is excellent. This volume is no exception, and would go well with a technical commentary in a study of Matthew. Leithart's interpretations of some of the more difficult details of certain passages stands out (i.e. his detailed biblical theological review of the meaning of "salt" and its use in Matt 5:13–20), but even better are his applications. His exposition of the Sabbath in Matthew 12:1–21 is a great example where the two of these meet. This book/commentary is also highly readable and would be an excellent resource for partner or group study alongside Matthew.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first volume covers the first twelve chapters of the Gospel of Matthew. This doesn't read like a commentary, per se, as it is quite engaging and full of astute observations from the text. Leithart's objective is to show "that Matthew organized his account of the life of Jesus as an Irenaean recapitulation of Israel’s history, in which Jesus replays both major individual roles of that history (Moses, David, Solomon, Elisha, Jeremiah) as well as the role of the nation herself."

He begins with a brief overview of the book, showing how Jesus recapitulates Israel personally, and nationally. Then he dives into the text and gives an overview of the section. This is not a methodical, exegetical commentary, though, instead, it is a biblical-theological examination of how Jesus lives out Israel.

Leithart connects Matthew with Old Testament texts and understands the Old Testament well enough to make connections that those well-read in the Old Testament themselves will intuitively see and understand.

This book is invaluable in helping readers make connections and understand the text like Matthew's first readers would have, having an intimate knowledge of the Old Testament.

I expect I'll be referring to this for a long time to come. I only wish the second volume were available, as I'm eager to continue the study. I highly recommend this work!

[Jlnpeacock Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reading of a commentary is not generally thought of as an enjoyable task. One is usually using the commentary to illuminate obscure passages. With this commentary, the fabric of the Old Testament and the New Testament are woven together to make a beautifully cohesive fabric of understanding. Many principles, often not considered, are brought to the attention of the reader for further contemplation and for the view of bringing about change in the reader's life. What is wonderful concerning this book is that it reads as if it were a novel and not a scholarly pursuit with no concern for the layman reading the book. The book contains an abundance of foundational material that will be beneficial for several re-readings. What a blessing to have something that deeply feeds the soul and does so in a format that is easily accessible to all readers.

[Douglas Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Jesus didn't present a different way of looking at the law, but the way that has always been correct.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more coherent than Leithart's commentary on Revelation. His basic thesis--that the life of Jesus not only recapitulates humanity in general but specifically fulfills Israel's role as a light to the nations--is compelling and widely acknowledged at this point. In his trademark style, Leithart notices and makes relevant obscure details that almost no one else would see fit to mention. Another advantage is that it's relatively short; it could be given to most interested readers, not just scholars.

[Caleb Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. I have a few minor niggles here and there, but overall, it's great. If you care a thing about biblical typology, it's a gold mine. The Jesus-as-Israel typological reading is convincing and reminiscent of the greatest patristic writers. If you're looking for a practical exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, it's just as good. Leithart has a keen eye for wise application of Jesus' teachings and commands. I will be consulting this book whenever I teach or study in Matthew from now on.

[Aurora Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Leithart's central thesis in all his commentaries is that Jesus is the new Israel organized around himself and that the Jews are the primary threat and enemy to the Christian Church in the New Testament documents. His refusal to see the documents of the Christian bible as having been produced much later and exemplify not Jesus but the church organization's beliefs about Jesus, provides a key to his misreadings.

[Dan Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leithart's 2 volume commentary on Matthew is so good. He spends very little time interacting with what other commentators have said about the text or how they have interpreted the book. Rather, he spends his time reading Matthew in light of OT prophecies and types. This is very rich in theological depth and literary analysis. This is one of my go-to commentaries whenever I preach or teach on Matthew.

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book, typical of Leithart's work. It is not a formal commentary but theological essays on the text. Not everything is new and interesting but Leithart always makes connections I have never seen and comments I would have never thought of. He thinks deeply on scripture and I was happy to stumble onto this book.

[Josh Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

EPIC commentary. Leithart's thesis is that Matthew is reading the OT & the life of Jesus typologically. I was constantly gasping in surprise at the connections he makes throughout. On to the 2nd volume!

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book late in my study of Matthew. And boy I wish I had it when I started. Leithart brings something new to each passage. Literally something not found in a dozen other commentaries, I should know I read them all. Very worth it! Recommended

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a refreshing and thought provoking commentary on the first 12 chapters of the Gospel of Matthew.

Lots of interesting insights from the idea / interpretative lens of Jesus as the new and better Israel.

A good second commentary to the more obvious Don Carson one.

[Josh Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic commentary! The introduction was the best I’ve ever read on the structure and themes of Matthew. Well done!

[Brian Algie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a commentary that gets you thinking and looking back into the text of Scripture, what more could you ask for.

[Phillip Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a technical commentary but it has excellent depth and concise explanations of sometimes challenging material. The writing is suburb. This is my fourth book of Leithart and although I’m not sure I want to follow every step he takes in his interpretations, I’m often fascinated by the path he takes. Several chapters were extremely helpful sermon preparation. I highly recommend this resource for devotional reading or bible study preparation.