Table of Contents Preface Introduction 1. Book of the Genesis of Jesus Christ 2. Book One 3. Book Two 4. Book Three 5. Book Four 6. Book Five 7. The Culmination: Mt 26.2 - 28.20 Abbreviations Endnotes Bibliography Index
A reading of Matthew that examines its Jewish context in the light of intertestamental literature as well as considering its purpose and position within the New Testament to present an 'experience' of the text.
Herman C. Waetjen is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at San Francisco Theological Seminary, and the Graduate Theological Union, USA
Waetjen’s book is clearly written and demonstrates his deep
knowledge of the social and historical background of the gospel. It
adeptly employs various interpretive methods in order to bring the
current readers of the gospel to the world that was inhabited by
the original addresses of the gospel. The book can be a rich
resource for those who are curious about the social and historical
background of Matthew’s Gospel.
*Society of Biblical Literature*
This book is a must read not only for those interested in a
serious, scholarly engagement of the text and historical context of
Matthean theology, but also for those interested in defending some
dogmatic theology that they bring with them to the text. With his
rigorous philological insights, knowledge of the secondary
literature of biblical scholarship of the First and Second
Testaments, historical acumen, and theological breadth and depth of
understanding, Waetjen shatters the lenses of the ‘cultured
despisers’ of Christian theology as well as those of the blind
followers of a ‘corrupted’ Christian theology devoted to eternal
self-interest. Above all, Waetjen grabs the telescope that is
focused on the ‘next life’ of Christian self-understanding and
turns it around to focus on the Matthean emphasis on the
life-transforming and liberating potential of Christianity for
history in this world.
*Douglas Mcgaughey, Willamette University, USA*
These are the astute observations and carefully crafted commentary
of a veteran Matthew interpreter, accentuating the integrated
narrative themes and particular emphases of the Matthean gospel –
the commencement of the reign of God in Jesus of Nazareth, Son of
God, Son of Abraham, Son of David, Son of the Human Being, son of
the Virgin Bride of Zion, and in the creation and modus vivendi of
an inclusive New Israel. With an acute eye on the social and
cultural context of Matthew’s narrative, Waetjen unpacks the
theological implications and actual good news in this reformulation
and expansion of the gospel tradition. Here also, as a homiletical
bonus, is a feast of observations and glistening formulations for
the preacher and that upcoming sermon – a banquet of quotable
quotes and pastoral reflections.
*John H. Elliot, University of San Francisco, USA*
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