The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Matthew–Luke
Overview
Matthew–Luke is a biblical examination of the historical, geographical, cultural, and economic background of the Synoptic Gospels. It provides a twenty-first century understanding of the first-century world. Much more than simply theology or a word study, The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary transports the reader back into the setting of the New Testament to see, touch, and hear as much of that world as possible.
For the entire set, see The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: New Testament (3 vols.).
Key Features
- Provides a verse-by-verse commentary of Matthew through Luke
- Covers historical events, social customs, and figures of speech in the first century
- Establishes the setting of New Testament writings
Top Highlights
“Now he was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart (v. 1): This opening line is not part of the parable proper but is Luke’s editorial introduction. Luke understands the parable as teaching Christians that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart. As the parable is later interpreted (vv. 7–8), however, it also teaches something about the faithfulness of God himself. The idea is not that Christians pray at every moment (though compare 1 Thess. 5:17), but that their lives should be characterized by prayer. Of course, the major item for which the disciples are to pray is the Lord’s return.” (Page 367)
“The Markan evangelist seems to be challenging the people of the Roman Empire to view Jesus Christ, not Julius Caesar, as the true son of God, in whom the good news begins. As we read Mark’s Gospel we hear Jesus proclaimed God’s Son, by God himself, by unclean spirits, and by Peter. Indeed, toward the end of the narrative, the Roman centurion confesses Jesus to be the true ‘Son of God’ (Mark 15:39).” (Page 21)
“The name Jesus means ‘the Lord will save.’ Given his saving mission, it is suitable. Matthew is careful to qualify that Jesus will save his people from their sins, not from the Romans or Gentiles in general. This is an important qualification, for many Jews entertained a militant messianism in which the destruction of Rome and the liberation of Israel were anticipated.” (Page 47)
“The idea is not that no temptation ever come upon Jesus’ follower, but that God not allow his follower to be overcome by temptation. See 2 Thess. 3:3 ‘he shall guard you from evil.’” (Page 125)
- Title: Matthew–Luke
- Author: Craig A. Evans
- Edition: First Edition
- Series: The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary
- Publisher: David C. Cook
- Print Publication Date: 2003
- Logos Release Date: 2016
- Pages: 544
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Matthew › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Mark › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Luke › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780781438681, 9780781440066, 9780781442282, 0781438683, 0781440068, 0781442281
- Resource ID: LLS:BKBC61MT
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T17:13:04Z
Craig A. Evans earned his PhD in biblical studies at Claremont Graduate University and received his decretum habilitationis from Budapest. He is Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament; Acadia Divinity College Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada; John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins (Houston Theological Seminary); a New Testament scholar; and a prolific author and popular teacher/speaker.
Evans is well-known for his work on the Gospels, the Historical Jesus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the archaeology of the New Testament. His passion for archaeology has him frequently participating in Middle East digs and leading Holy Land tours. He has regularly appeared in television and radio interviews, such as the History Channel, BBC, and Dateline NBC, served as a consultant on the National Geographic Society's Gospel of Judas project and for The Bible television miniseries, and is featured in documentaries like Fragments of Truth and the Archaeology and Jesus series.
He's written hundreds of articles and reviews and published more than 70 books, including Jesus and His Contemporaries, Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies, Mark in the Word Biblical Commentary, Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels, God Speaks, and Jesus and the Remains of His Days: Studies in Jesus and Archaeology. He coauthored Jesus, the Final Days with N. T. Wright.