Studies in Matthew: Interpretation Past and Present

by Dale C. Allison Jr.

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2012

Overview

The author of a leading major critical commentary on Matthew here offers further insights into the Gospel and the history of its interpretation. Writing with theological sensitivity and a deft literary touch, he presents thirteen essays—nine previously unpublished and four thoroughly revised—on key passages, on structural features of the Gospel, and on patristic and modern interpretation. Exegetes, preachers, students, and other lovers of biblical narrative will read Studies in Matthew with profit and delight.

Key Features

• Analyzes the history of interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew
• Explores often overlooked theological and exegetical insights
• Examines valuable studies from the patristic period

Contents

Part I: The Exegetical Past

• The Magi’s Angel (Matt. 2:2, 9–10)
• Seeing God (Matt. 5:8)
• Murder and Anger, Cain and Abel (Matt. 5:21–25)
• Darkness at Noon (Matt. 27:45)
• Touching Jesus’ Feet (Matt. 28:9)
• Reading Matthew through the Church Fathers

Part II: The Literary and Historical Studies

• Structure, Biographical Impulse, and the Imitatio Christi
• Matthew’s First Two Words (Matt. 1:1)
• Divorce, Celibacy, and Joseph (Matt. 1:18–25)
• The Configuration of the Sermon on the Mount and Its Meaning
• Foreshadowing the Passion
• Deconstructing Matthew
• Slaughtered Infants

Endorsements

These erudite essays by one of the foremost Matthean scholars of our day show how illuminating it can be to consult the history of interpretation and, in particular, the patristic commentators when it comes to the exegesis of the Gospel of Matthew. We can find fresh insights and new understandings by looking back to how earlier interpreters dealt with the material. These stimulating essays provide abundant hermeneutical insights into the interpretive process itself—all under the wise and mature judgment of a seasoned exegete. This book is therefore not only for Matthean specialists but will prove rewarding for all who are interested in biblical interpretation.

—Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

I have been telling friends for years that Dale Allison is North America’s most complete New Testament scholar. This book proves it. Here Allison navigates not only the deep waters of the historical-critical method but also the refreshing pools suddenly being discovered among the patristics and Eastern Orthodox. Scholars and pastors will find something to ponder on each and every page. Just when I thought Dale had moved on to other topics, here he is again, setting the record straight about Matthew.

—Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University

Dale Allison has been widely recognized as a leading interpreter of the Gospel of Matthew since the completion of the International Critical Commentary in 1997, and with the publication of Studies in Matthew he establishes and enhances his eminence. Colleagues and knowledgeable readers will be informed by his erudition and impressed by his selective appropriation of the insights of predecessors from the nineteenth century back through the patristic period. He is also sensitive to the importance and breadth of historical issues, as well as matters of theological relevance. Although Allison is obviously not writing for beginners, his style is clear and accessible, so that one is never left wondering what he is thinking.

—D. Moody Smith, George Washington Ivey Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Duke University

Product Details

• Title: Studies in Matthew: Interpretation Past and Present
• Author: Dale C. Allison Jr.
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 282
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Matthew › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9781493422586, 9780801049132, 0801027918, 1493422588, 080104913X, 9780801027918
• Resource ID: LLS:STMTTHWNTRPRSNT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:11:31Z

About Dale C. Allison Jr.

Dr. Dale C. Allison Jr., Errett M. Grable professor of New Testament exegesis and early Christianity, has been on the faculty of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary since 1997. Before then he served on the faculties of Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas) and Friends University (Wichita, Kan.).