The Gospel of Matthew is an New Testament commentary, written by R.T. France and published by Eerdmands. Commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew can be either highly critical or devotional in nature. I therefore was pleasantly surprised when I read Frances work and found it to be more or less on the conservative side while still engaging with high criticism scholarship. It has been a long time since a scholarly mostly conservative work has been published on the Gospel of Matthew and France did not disappoint, weighing in at just over 1200 pages.

This commentary is a newer edition of the famous New International Commentary on the New Testament Series, a series which is synonymous with excellent exegesis and superior application, this volume not only continues this legacy, but truly propels it to new heights. This volume is one of the most articulate and practical commentaries on the one of the books of history which is usually bogged down by from criticism and or long discussions on genocide. Yet while France does answer these critical issues, something he does flawlessly by the way, he interacts with critical scholarship in a way most conservative commentators dont. From this it is easy to see why France is a highly regarded scholar and superior exegete.

The Gospel of Matthew has two main sections the typical general introduction, and then followed by a insightful exegetical commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew. With regard to the general introduction it is the typical study into the introductory matters of the book and how they relate to the Bible as a whole. This is a serious scholarly work which dives into contextual as well as the as the different methodical approaches to study of this book France takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He does not use his own translation of the Greek text, yet this is not common in the NICNT series as a whole. I do wish though that there was more application to some of the more difficult passages.

While I disagree with France on a few minor issues with regard to New Testament date of writing, the arguments he makes are sound I just adhere to a earlier date of composition. One are I did greatly enjoy is France discussion of the eight I am statements.

France is innovate in his interpretation and application while staying stalwart in his commitment to orthodoxy. In the vein of recommending, The Gospel of Matthew, to others I would recommend this commentary to pastors and scholars, yet I would highly recommend pastors, such as myself, to pair this scholarly commentary with one that is one that has more of a pastoral tone. There are many commentaries about Gospel of Matthew available at this moment but The Gospel of Matthew of the New International Commentary on the New Testament series is a very scholarly works worthy of your time.

This book was provided to me free of charge from Eerdmans in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

The Gospel of Matthew: New International Commentary on the New Testament

2007 by R. T. France

Publisher: Eerdmans

Page Count: 1233 Pages

ISBN: 978-0802825018

NICNT is a good bridge for those with or without a degree in Bible. I have never been disappointed in the scholarship or the notes (which including other opinions, reference, and original language notes). R. T. France commentary on The Gospel of Matthew ranks easily next to F.F. Bruce or any other commentators from the series current or past. As others have mentioned it is conservative (in the older sense of word) and does a good job of correcting current popular cultures misinterpretations.

This book is a very readable study of the Gospel of Matthew. I like the overall discussion of each pericope before the detailed exegesis of each verse. I also appreciate the discussion that goes on in the footnotes. This book is very helpful in placing the text in a coherent context, that allows sermon preparation to be be both fruitful and theologically sound.

Though I am just a layman, I believe this is an excellent commentary, it is very readable, and helps me understand the true meaning of the Greek behind the English translation. CBD was true to their word, I first ordered John, and they exchanged it for Matthew with no questions asked within the 30 day time frame. Great commentary, great price, and great service.

This commentary on Matthew by France combinesscholarship and readability. France highlightsscholarship when needed and his flow ofthought in this commentary in lucid. Nottoo light...not too heavy, this commentary onMatthew is very informative without beingcumbersome to the reader...a perfect blend!