Customer Reviews

Matthew (IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

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This was the very first commentary I read through and I frequently go back to reference it. Keener's emphasis on the social-historical context of this Gospel is helpful yet concise. His passion for preaching is quite apparent in his expository that truly spoke into my heart, and convicted me in many areas of my life. Keener has a more in depth commentary on Mathew that would be better suited for those who are more academically minded; however, this commentary is still scholarly and will provide the reader with much incite.

I like this whole conservative commentary series. It is not highly technical but brings to light many background cultural issues that helps to bring the Scriptures to life. The authors also bring relevant applications to today's Christian. It is also structured very well especially for daily Bible study.

Matthew was the most popular Gospel in the early church, widely read for its clear emphasis on Jesus' teaching. Drawing on its use as a teaching or discipleship manual, the author expounds the text as a discipleship manual for believers. In his skilled hands, the first-century text becomes as relevant and contemporary as information downloaded from the Internet, while it challenges readers with its divine perspective on how life ought to be lived. In this clear, incisive commentary, readers will find an introduction with background material concerning authorship, date and purpose, as well as a summary of important theological themes. A passage-by-passage exposition follows that focuses on understanding what Matthew had to say to his original readers in order to see its relevance for the church. Students, pastors, Bible teachers and everyone who wants to understand the message of Matthew for the church will benefit from this excellent resource.

Craig Keener is a brilliant man. He is also passionate about Jesus and about ministry. The professor at Asbury Seminary has written a two-volume commentary on John that has become a standard of quality biblical scholarship. Several years ago Keener also wrote a great little commentary on Matthew, which I was recently given the opportunity to review. It was recently re-released in paperback.

What is great about Matthew by Craig S. Keener is that is really sharp and on point with the academic work, and yet at the same time it is really very conversational and accessible. It is even, at some points, surprisingly humorous,such as when it warns against preacher puns with the parable of the wheat and the tares (p. 242).

Keener keeps to the basics in this commentary. He organizes his understanding of Matthew around the themes of the Kingdom of Heaven and discipleship, which are perfectly appropriate. Very few passages are written about for more than two-four pages.

The strength of this commentary is that it really says in plain language what each passage in the gospel of Matthew in its social and literary context. When you read the words that Keener has to say about each specific passage, you can clearly relate to the time it was written, and see what was happening through the gospel by the way Keener opens up his readers' mind to understanding.

The one weakness about this commentary is that it is really does not communicate much in most passages about what the specific text means in everyday life. In other words, Matthew helps its readers observe and understand the text, but the author leaves it to his readers to figure out how to apply what they have learned.

All in all, this is a good commentary. It would be especially good if someone was teaching from a curriculum about something in Matthew, and wanted to use this commentary to add in insightful background information.

(This book was reviewed after the publisher provided me with a complimentary review copy. Thanks IVP!)