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The Gospel of Matthew brings out treasures old and new. Charles L. Quarles demonstrates that the Gospel of Matthew is foremost a testimony about Jesus. Each pericope centers on Jesus and reveals something about who he is, what he has done, and what his disciples should do in response. Quarles teases out Matthew’s unique theological presentation of Jesus’s identity and work. Jesus is the new and greater Moses and the new and greater David who fulfills Old Testament hopes by establishing God’s covenant and kingdom. This Gospel invites us to know and worship Jesus, who makes all things new. The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon―all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.
920 pages, Hardcover
Published January 4, 2023
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Charles L. Quarles
21 books8 followersCharles L. Quarles serves as the Director of Ph.D. Studies and Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
He has published research in numerous international journals including New Testament Studies, Novum Testamentum, the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus, and the Bulletin for Biblical Research. In additional to many Bible studies, articles in reference works, and reviews, he is the editor or author of six books including Buried Hope or Risen Savior: The Search for the Jesus Tomb; The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: A Comprehensive New Testament Introduction (with Andreas Kostenberger and Scott Kellum); The Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ's Message to the Modern Church; and The Illustrated Life of Paul (forthcoming). He is presently writing a Theology of the Gospel of Matthew (2013) and a commentary on the Greek text of Matthew (2017).
He has published research in numerous international journals including New Testament Studies, Novum Testamentum, the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus, and the Bulletin for Biblical Research. In additional to many Bible studies, articles in reference works, and reviews, he is the editor or author of six books including Buried Hope or Risen Savior: The Search for the Jesus Tomb; The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: A Comprehensive New Testament Introduction (with Andreas Kostenberger and Scott Kellum); The Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ's Message to the Modern Church; and The Illustrated Life of Paul (forthcoming). He is presently writing a Theology of the Gospel of Matthew (2013) and a commentary on the Greek text of Matthew (2017).
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 19, 2025
I used this as a teaching resource while teaching through the Gospel of Matthew. This proved to be a wonderful commentary; in fact, it was the most useful of the commentaries I consulted.
The front matter - introductory comments, historical elements, biblical-theological themes - is a sizable hundred or so pages. In a commentary, this section can often be perfunctory. But here it gives you a real sense of the breadth of Quarles’ grasp on Matthew both as a literary-theological text and a historical document. Of particular note is his attention to Christological titles and the wisdom theme in Matthew.
Though long, this commentary has a unique advantage over most shorter biographies: precision and attention to detail. Quarles is never distracted and always trained upon the text. Textual details of tangential importance are denoted and footnoted. So, the body of the text is focused and clear. This makes it extremely useful for studying and reading.
Overall, this is an outstanding commentary. And it crowns a rich and useful body of Quarles’ work on Matthew’s gospel
I received this from Lexham in exchange for an honest review.
The front matter - introductory comments, historical elements, biblical-theological themes - is a sizable hundred or so pages. In a commentary, this section can often be perfunctory. But here it gives you a real sense of the breadth of Quarles’ grasp on Matthew both as a literary-theological text and a historical document. Of particular note is his attention to Christological titles and the wisdom theme in Matthew.
Though long, this commentary has a unique advantage over most shorter biographies: precision and attention to detail. Quarles is never distracted and always trained upon the text. Textual details of tangential importance are denoted and footnoted. So, the body of the text is focused and clear. This makes it extremely useful for studying and reading.
Overall, this is an outstanding commentary. And it crowns a rich and useful body of Quarles’ work on Matthew’s gospel
I received this from Lexham in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
Having written extensively on Matthew’s Gospel in the past, Charles Quarles here delivers the latest entry in the EBTC series. It strikes me as being of the same value as most of the previous entries in the series and it seems to strike the balance the EBTC series calls for as well.
Somewhat surprising is the 100 page Introduction before you even get to the commentary proper. The first 45 pages cover basic introductory issues like author, date, provenance and destination, language, genre and purpose, and structure. The author’s vast learning is on display here, the conclusions conservative, and the coverage adequate.
Even better is the rest of the Introduction that embraces theological themes as this series promises. At first, I thought it was odd that these discussions began focusing exclusively on Christological titles. As I continued I had to confess that they are critical to unlocking Matthew. I especially loved later the discussion on the Kingdom of Heaven for its perceptiveness and restraint. New Covenant, New Creation, and New Israel continued fleshing out what Matthew was up to. By the end, I was sold on his approach.
The commentary proper was also a success. 650 pages for Matthew means the commentary is mid-length by today’s standards. For many, though, that’s going to be just right. This one will be especially enjoyed by pastors and anyone who is interested in careful study. The deep learning is there while the parade of it is subdued. For many, this would be all they would want or need on Matthew.
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.
Somewhat surprising is the 100 page Introduction before you even get to the commentary proper. The first 45 pages cover basic introductory issues like author, date, provenance and destination, language, genre and purpose, and structure. The author’s vast learning is on display here, the conclusions conservative, and the coverage adequate.
Even better is the rest of the Introduction that embraces theological themes as this series promises. At first, I thought it was odd that these discussions began focusing exclusively on Christological titles. As I continued I had to confess that they are critical to unlocking Matthew. I especially loved later the discussion on the Kingdom of Heaven for its perceptiveness and restraint. New Covenant, New Creation, and New Israel continued fleshing out what Matthew was up to. By the end, I was sold on his approach.
The commentary proper was also a success. 650 pages for Matthew means the commentary is mid-length by today’s standards. For many, though, that’s going to be just right. This one will be especially enjoyed by pastors and anyone who is interested in careful study. The deep learning is there while the parade of it is subdued. For many, this would be all they would want or need on Matthew.
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.
March 2, 2023
Charles L. Quarles’ commentary on Matthew is the latest in the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series from Lexham Press. At over 800 pages, this is one of the longer commentaries in the series, and it is packed full of insight and illumination.
Christological Titles
My favorite part of this series is the section on biblical-theological themes. Quarles begins with Christological titles and the Son of Man. He brought great understanding to Christ’s human appearance, but also his divine revelation as coming with the clouds of heaven. I was most moved to learn of how Christ’s title of Immanuel serves as an inclusio for the book, beginning and ending with the fact that Jesus is God with us.
I appreciated Quarles’ attention to detail throughout the book. He is comprehensive, seeking to help the reader grasp the entirety of the book. He spends a considerable amount of time explaining the genealogy of Jesus, showing how his coming is the pinnacle of Old Testament history. Furthermore, by including four gentile women in his genealogy, he confirms that “Jesus is the son of Abraham, the promised seed in whom all nations will be blessed, even Canaanites, Moabites, and Hittites.” This theme is echoed throughout the Gospel, and how it must be spread to all nations.
True, Everlasting, and Eternal Rest
I was most happy to read in Matthew 11, and how Christ’s invitation to rest comes before the discussion of two Sabbath controversies in Matthew 12. I felt the weight that the Pharisees placed on people, and I saw that Jesus is truly the Lord of the Sabbath in that he provides true, everlasting, and eternal rest for our souls.
Parables are prominent in Matthew, and Quarles’ does an excellent job of addressing them thoroughly. He makes note of representations and symbolisms, bringing in knowledge of Old Testament imagery.
Traditions and Customs
Quarles also has command of traditions and customs in Jesus’ time. When the disciples were questioning who would be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven, most rabbis taught that adults had nothing to learn from children. “Jesus reversed the normal order by turning adults into pupils and little children into teachers. Jesus’ s disciples needed to look to them to learn the lesson of humility.” I was challenged to have child-like faith, wonder, and dependence in my own spiritual life. I was also struck by God’s great love for his children. We need our Heavenly Father more than anything and he is more than happy to help us.
Quarles’ exegesis on The Olivet Discourse is extensive. While there seems to be a delay in Christ’s return, we should still see it as imminent. The proper response is to care for our fellow-servant and actively invest in the kingdom of God.
Get a Closer Look at Jesus
Interestingly, Quarles focuses on the three women who came to watch Christ’s crucifixion: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Salome — the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Christ’s care, love, and honor towards women is an example we still need today.
This book is an outstanding entry in the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series. There is treasure to be found in every section. Get a closer look at Jesus, feel his presence, and be inspired to spread the Good News.
I received a media copy of Matthew and this is my honest review.
Christological Titles
My favorite part of this series is the section on biblical-theological themes. Quarles begins with Christological titles and the Son of Man. He brought great understanding to Christ’s human appearance, but also his divine revelation as coming with the clouds of heaven. I was most moved to learn of how Christ’s title of Immanuel serves as an inclusio for the book, beginning and ending with the fact that Jesus is God with us.
I appreciated Quarles’ attention to detail throughout the book. He is comprehensive, seeking to help the reader grasp the entirety of the book. He spends a considerable amount of time explaining the genealogy of Jesus, showing how his coming is the pinnacle of Old Testament history. Furthermore, by including four gentile women in his genealogy, he confirms that “Jesus is the son of Abraham, the promised seed in whom all nations will be blessed, even Canaanites, Moabites, and Hittites.” This theme is echoed throughout the Gospel, and how it must be spread to all nations.
True, Everlasting, and Eternal Rest
I was most happy to read in Matthew 11, and how Christ’s invitation to rest comes before the discussion of two Sabbath controversies in Matthew 12. I felt the weight that the Pharisees placed on people, and I saw that Jesus is truly the Lord of the Sabbath in that he provides true, everlasting, and eternal rest for our souls.
Parables are prominent in Matthew, and Quarles’ does an excellent job of addressing them thoroughly. He makes note of representations and symbolisms, bringing in knowledge of Old Testament imagery.
Traditions and Customs
Quarles also has command of traditions and customs in Jesus’ time. When the disciples were questioning who would be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven, most rabbis taught that adults had nothing to learn from children. “Jesus reversed the normal order by turning adults into pupils and little children into teachers. Jesus’ s disciples needed to look to them to learn the lesson of humility.” I was challenged to have child-like faith, wonder, and dependence in my own spiritual life. I was also struck by God’s great love for his children. We need our Heavenly Father more than anything and he is more than happy to help us.
Quarles’ exegesis on The Olivet Discourse is extensive. While there seems to be a delay in Christ’s return, we should still see it as imminent. The proper response is to care for our fellow-servant and actively invest in the kingdom of God.
Get a Closer Look at Jesus
Interestingly, Quarles focuses on the three women who came to watch Christ’s crucifixion: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Salome — the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Christ’s care, love, and honor towards women is an example we still need today.
This book is an outstanding entry in the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series. There is treasure to be found in every section. Get a closer look at Jesus, feel his presence, and be inspired to spread the Good News.
I received a media copy of Matthew and this is my honest review.
September 6, 2024
See my full review at SpoiledMilks (July 26, 2024)
Charles Quarles introduction covers a lot of ground with the who/what/where questions.
Quarles sees Matthew’s structure as being shaped according to geographic and chronological concerns (instead of revolving around Jesus’ five discourses).
Biblical-Theological Themes section is a highlight in this series as it aims to both highlight important themes in each of the respective books and setting them within the Bible’s story. Quarles surveys themes like Christological titles and descriptions of Jesus, the kingdom of heaven, the new covenant, new creation, fulfillment, and more. This section allows Quarles to hone in on specific themes so that you can already have all of the important information in mind when you come across the important titles or themes.
Quarles doesn’t explain the text verse-by-verse but instead takes the section as a whole and guides you through the text. Quarles is careful to bring out the OT background in verses where there are no direct quotes to the OT. This of course shows that the OT texts pervaded everyone’s thoughts (for it was their Bible) and helps illuminate Jesus’ words and actions.
The EBTC series is outstanding, and Quarles’ volume fits right in. Quarles writes clearly and was a pleasure to read. His commentary will help you immensely as you study Matthew for your own personal benefit as well as those you may teach. Highly recommended.
Charles Quarles introduction covers a lot of ground with the who/what/where questions.
Quarles sees Matthew’s structure as being shaped according to geographic and chronological concerns (instead of revolving around Jesus’ five discourses).
Biblical-Theological Themes section is a highlight in this series as it aims to both highlight important themes in each of the respective books and setting them within the Bible’s story. Quarles surveys themes like Christological titles and descriptions of Jesus, the kingdom of heaven, the new covenant, new creation, fulfillment, and more. This section allows Quarles to hone in on specific themes so that you can already have all of the important information in mind when you come across the important titles or themes.
Quarles doesn’t explain the text verse-by-verse but instead takes the section as a whole and guides you through the text. Quarles is careful to bring out the OT background in verses where there are no direct quotes to the OT. This of course shows that the OT texts pervaded everyone’s thoughts (for it was their Bible) and helps illuminate Jesus’ words and actions.
The EBTC series is outstanding, and Quarles’ volume fits right in. Quarles writes clearly and was a pleasure to read. His commentary will help you immensely as you study Matthew for your own personal benefit as well as those you may teach. Highly recommended.
January 5, 2025
Fantastic commentary that perfectly balances the exegetical with the pastoral, this volume has become my go-to commentary on the book of Matthew.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews