The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel

by Richard C. H. Lenski

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 1961

Overview

Thorough as a student of Greek, R. C. H. Lenski interprets the Gospel of St. Matthew with meticulous exegetical research while providing an original, literal translation of the text. With his conservative Lutheran perspective, he is unwavering in his high view of Scriptural authority, probing deeply and passionately—arguing his conclusions masterfully. Beyond exegesis, he provides linguistic and textual analysis, historical background such as information on the author, date, time of writings, authorial intent, chief themes, and much more. Often addressing difficult text, evading nothing, Lenski evaluates multiple interpretations before choosing one in particular. The Lenski Commentary, therefore, will introduce you to a range of interpretations and viewpoints, allowing you to see how other interpretations relate to one another, and will provide the context as to why he has settled on a particular viewpoint.

Praise for the Print Edition

A great work of exegesis, every page the result of long meditation, based on rich scholarship, warm with holy reverence for the Word of God.

—Moody Monthly

Lenski is one of the most helpful commentators on the New Testament you'll find — especially for his knowledge of the original Greek text. No serious exegete should neglect his insights.

—The Discerning Reader

The treatment is exhaustive; it seems that nothing has been overlooked or omitted.

—The Lutheran

My favorite New Testament commentary is that of R.C.H. Lenski. I smile whenever this scholar stabbed the “chiliasts” or those who reject infant baptism; yet I profit greatly from his sane and spiritually sensitive exposition. You do not have to be a Greek scholar to benefit from Lenski.

—Warren W. Wiersbe, A Basic Library for Bible Students

A conservative, very extensive and generally helpful exposition based upon an exegesis of the Greek text. Armenian in doctrine, maintains a rigid approach to Greek grammar, and follows an amillennial interpretation of eschatology. Exceedingly helpful background material and abounds in good preaching values.

—Cyril Barber, The Minister's Library

Product Details

• Title: The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel
• Author: R. C. H. Lenski
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 1961
• Pages: 1,181

About R. C. H. Lenski

R. C. H. Lenski a distinguished Lutheran scholar and commentator, studied for the ministry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Upon earning his Doctor of Divinity, he became Dean of the seminary. He was a former professor at Capital Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio, where he taught in the fields of exegesis, dogmatics, and homiletics. His numerous books and commentaries are written from a conservative perspective.

Sample Pages from the Print Edition

Contents

Top Highlights

“Lamps without oil are the forms of Christian life that are without the substance of this life; lamps together with oil are the forms that are vitalized by the true Christian life.” (Page 964)

“The noun ἔλεος and its derivatives always deal with what we see of pain, misery, and distress, these results of sin; and χάρις‚ ‘grace,’ always deals with the sin and guilt itself. The one extends relief, the other pardon; the one cures, heals, helps, the other cleanses and reinstates. With God χάρις is always first and ἔλεος second.” (Page 191)

“Zahn’s conclusion is evident: ‘pure in heart’ = sinceritas, singleness of heart, the honesty which has no hidden motive, no selfish interest, and is true and open in all things. Nothing is lost by thus specifying this virtue, for it is possible only in a heart that is justified and sanctified by God.” (Page 192)

“The first four beatitudes look toward God, the next three toward men.” (Page 191)

“What he forbids is the self-righteous, hypocritical judging which is false and calls down God’s judgment on itself.” (Page 288)

Product Details

• Title: The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel
• Author: Richard C. H. Lenski
• Series: Lenski’s Commentary on the New Testament
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Print Publication Date: 1961
• Logos Release Date: 2008
• Era: era:modern
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Matthew › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:LENSKI01
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T08:34:21Z

About Richard C. H. Lenski

R. C. H. Lenski (1864–1936) was a distinguished Lutheran scholar and commentator. He studied at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and upon earning his Doctor of Divinity became dean of the seminary. He also served as a professor at Capital Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio, where he taught exegesis, dogmatics, and homiletics. His numerous books and commentaries are written from a conservative Lutheran perspective. Lenski authored Lenski’s Commentary on the New Testament, a 12-volume series of commentaries that provides a literal translation of the New Testament.

Among Lenski’s many works are The Interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation, and The Interpretation of St. Luke’s Gospel.