The Gospel of the Son of God: An Introduction to Matthew
Overview
From beginning to end, the very structure of the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the Son of God.
At climactic points Jesus is so identified—by Peter, by a Roman centurion, by Jesus himself, and by God the Father. With The Gospel of the Son of God, David Bauer provides a comprehensive introduction to this Gospel that has been so foundational to the Christian church. Arguing that the nature of Matthew itself should provide us with the framework for its study, he presents a holistic inductive approach with a literary, theological, and canonical focus.
In the first section on orientation, Bauer explores issues of genre, interpretive methods, authorship, audience, and literary structure. Then he moves to interpretation, guiding readers through the meaning of sections of the text. Finally, the reflection section synthesizes and develops major theological themes emerging from the interpretation, including Christology, salvation history, eschatology, and discipleship.
- Explores issues of genre, interpretive methods, authorship, audience, and literary structure
- Guides readers through the meaning of sections of the text
- Synthesizes and develops major theological themes emerging from the interpretation
Part 1: Orientation
- Form and Genre
- Approach and Method
- Circumstances of Composition
- Shape of Composition
Part 2: Interpretation
- Interpretation of Matthew 1:1–4:16
- Interpretation of Matthew 4:17–16:20
- Interpretation of Matthew 16:21–28:20
Part 3: Reflection
- Jesus: The Christological Title
- Jesus: Additional Aspects of Christology
- God
- Salvation History and Eschatology
- Discipleship
Top Highlights
“These sections reflect the threefold character of Matthew’s Gospel: historical, literary, and theological.” (Page ix)
“These considerations suggest that Matthew means ‘he sent them out by charging them’; thus, at this point the sending out is the charge, that is, the instructions he is about to give. Jesus will commission his disciples to go out only at the end of the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 28:18–20).” (Page 179)
“It is my contention that, in terms of form, the Gospel of Matthew is literary; in terms of content, it is theological; and in terms of context, it is historical.” (Page 4)
“Richard A. Burridge, who sought to address these shortcomings in his monumental study, What Are the Gospels? A Comparison with Graeco‑Roman Biography.” (Page 13)
“denies the basic literary principle that readers construe meaning on the basis of the narrative development of the story” (Page 99)
David Bauer has labored long in the vineyard known as Matthew’s Gospel and knows full well the range of issues and possibilities that this Gospel presents to us. This was the most copied and used Gospel in the earliest church period, which is in part why it is the first Gospel presented in the New Testament. David presents a careful, clear, and concise introduction to this crucial early Christian document. Highly recommended!
—Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor for New Testament Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
The Gospel of the Son of God is an incredibly rich and comprehensive resource examining the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of Matthew. Bauer proves himself to be a highly knowledgeable, judicious, and insightful guide. There is now no better introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
—Nijay K. Gupta, associate professor of New Testament, Portland Seminary
The fruit of decades of research and teaching the Gospel according to Matthew, David Bauer’s new introduction proves a sure-footed pathway for initiates while providing plenty of food for thought for those who think themselves already well-traveled. This will be the scholarly orientation to Matthew for the next generation.
—Garwood P. Anderson, president and provost of Nashotah House Theological Seminary
- Title: The Gospel of the Son of God: An Introduction to Matthew
- Author: David R. Bauer
- Publisher: IVP Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2019
- Pages: 375
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Matthew › Introductions; Bible. N.T. Matthew › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780830873425, 9780830852321, 0830873422, 0830852328
- Resource ID: LLS:GSPLSNNTRDMTTHW
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:25:42Z