The Gospel according to Matthew (Pillar New Testament Commentary) [Hardcover]

Leon Morris (Author)

Book Description

Series: Pillar New Testament Commentary | Publication Date: July 29, 1992

In this direct encounter with the text of Matthew, Morris examines the first Gospel as it stands, without disassembling it, probing for its original meaning. Accurate and reliable, comprehensive and balanced, this commentary is especially noteworthy for its thoroughness, maturity, and evangelical viewpoint. Includes the commentators own literal translation of the text.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 798 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (July 29, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802836968
• ISBN-13: 978-0802836960
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.2 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #451,254 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Devotional and Scholarly Work, March 2, 2001

By 

Rev. James P. Jones (Albany, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gospel according to Matthew (Pillar New Testament Commentary) (Hardcover)

Leon Morris, an Anglican Theologian, has written a number of works that are outstanding. This is one of them. I was in need of a substantive commentary on Matthew, and am pleased to now have one! Morris' intention is to understand the meaning of the text, and the theology of Matthew, rather than to debate text critical issues endlessly. This commentary is very thorough and would be an excellent resource for pastors in their preaching ministry, and those interested in devotional studies. The extensive footnotes and references to other works would meet the need of those interested in contemporary research on this important gospel. Much recommended!

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Commentary on Gospel of Matthew, May 13, 2003

By A Customer

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This review is from: The Gospel according to Matthew (Pillar New Testament Commentary) (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful, expositional commentary on the text of the Gospel of Matthew. What sets this work apart from nearly everything else available is Morris' determination to exposit what Matthew has actually said and is trying to tell us, rather than to argue a new view on the whole Gospel, or interact with critical theories that most readers have never heard of (and many of which have either faded away or are in the process). This is a commentary every person in the church can access and appreciate. Morris wears his considerable learning lightly, so we get a lively interaction with the gospel itself, which cannot help but pay rich spiritual dividends for us all. Having used several available Evangelical commentaries, I am convinced that Morris is the best overall. It is not as scholarly as Carson, but it not as dry either. It is not as insightful as Blomberg in some places, but it is much fuller so that you really get feel for what Matthew is trying to say. I am probably biased since I am a fan of nearly all of Morris' work, but this is the first place I turn when preparing to preach or teach from Matthew.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Exposition of Matthew, February 3, 2007

By 

Marc Axelrod (Potter, Wi USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Gospel according to Matthew (Pillar New Testament Commentary) (Hardcover)

Some commentaries on Matthew give you extensive exegesis with endless interactions with other scholars. They are very helpful, but sometimes the message of Matthew is muddled and muddied as a result.

That's why Leon Morris' commentary on Matthew is a treat. The emphasis is his terrific line by line interpretation of the text. He does interact with other scholars, but not so much that the force of his own interpretation is neglected.

He writes with an eye toward application. For example, in his introduction to Matthew 5:38-42, he notes that "we have a natural tendency to retaliate when anyone harms us. But Jesus eschews hitting back in all its forms.(p. 126)"

He explains Greek terms without getting too technical. In the section on parables (Matthew 13), he contends (page 333) that we would do better to learn what a parable is by looking at the way Jesus used it than by coming up with our definition.

And in Matthew 24-25, Morris seems to take the double fulfillment interpretation, that it applies both to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and to the future Second Coming of the Lord Jesus.

Davies and Allison have written the most detailed commentary on Matthew, and I use it regularly. But this commentary takes its place alongside Michael Wilkins in terms of sermon preparation value. It is easy to consult, and it explains the text plainly without getting lost in minute details.