A Theology of Matthew's Gospel

A Theology of Matthew's Gospel is as solidly evangelical as it is richly pastoral; complete in its scholarship but not complex. Michael J. Wilkins sees the Gospel of Matthew as a manual for following Jesus as a disciple who is always and forever subordinate to the Master. Those wishing to do likewise have found a reliable guide in this new book. *
—Daniel M. Gurtner, Professor of New Testament, Gateway Seminary *
In an extensive examination of the theology of Matthew's Gospel, Mike Wilkins argues that Matthew can be simultaneously a work of accurate history, meaningful theology, and relevant literature. Wilkins's literary investigation of Matthew's theology uncovers the Gospel to be a manual on discipleship to Jesus Messiah even now for the church in the twenty-first century. Highly recommended. *
—Douglas S. Huffman, Dean of the School of Theology and Professor of New Testament, University of Northwestern-St. Paul *
Michael Wilkins has devoted his entire scholarly career to mining the riches of the Gospel of Matthew for its witness to the person, proclamation, and passion of Jesus Messiah. In this deeply learned volume, Wilkins caps off a lifetime of study by providing a comprehensive analysis of the central message and major themes of this much-celebrated, Testament-bridging Gospel. In Matthew, as Wilkins demonstrates, we receive a portrait of Jesus who is shown to be both the son of David (Israel's long-awaited king who comes to bless the nation, and indeed all nations, through his beneficent and self-giving reign), and the God-Man (the preexisting, incarnate Son of God who fulfills and sacrificially embodies Israel's law). It is this Jesus who has authoritatively yet mercifully entered human history and called to himself disciples, that they might imitate him through love and allegiance. Thus, Jesus Messiah is no ordinary rabbi; he is our gracious Lord by whose presence God indeed remains 'with us.' Because Matthew's Gospel, as Wilkins persuasively shows, is nothing short of a manual on discipleship, the careful reader will find in this study a robust tutorial on how to follow faithfully after our beloved Master and Messiah. Highly recommended for students, pastors, and scholars! *
—John K. Goodrich, Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies, Compass Bible Institute *
Michael Wilkins has written a definitive presentation of the theology of the First Gospel. His exegetical analysis is rooted in deep research, his theological discussions are both comprehensive and focused, his evaluations of variegated theories on a host of hermeneutical questions are both fair and balanced as well as decisive, and his style is eminently readable. Students, pastors, and scholars will be richly rewarded when they study the Gospel of Matthew with the help of this magnificent volume. *
—Eckhard J. Schnabel, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary *
Not every study of biblical theology can be fortified with extraordinarily deep and wide reading, based on decades of classroom experience, informed by sagacious judgment, and produced as a labor of love and devotion to its subject. But what a scholarly blessing it is that Wilkins's A Theology of Matthew's Gospel is just such a book. *
—Fred Sanders, Professor of Theology, Torrey Honors College, Biola University *
This volume is a gift to the church. In it Michael Wilkins pours in a lifetime of study and the result is a deeper appreciation and understanding for a Gospel that has often been a cornerstone for the understanding of all Jesus is. *
—Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement Hendricks Center Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *
Understanding Matthew's Gospel is like navigating a beautiful mountain range: The breathtaking views are only won through an arduous climb. A guide like Michael Wilkins makes the hike worthwhile. Built upon decades of study, this theology of Matthew enables the reader to understand Matthew's thought in its breadth and depth. Wilkins exegetes the text, reviews the history of interpretation, and surveys central themes, all the while shepherding the reader in their walk with Jesus Messiah. After reading the text of Matthew itself, read this book, and you will appreciate the beautiful view like never before. *
—Michael H. Burer, Dean of Faculty, Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *
We have in Michael Wilkins's learned study of the Gospel of Matthew a lifetime of scholarly engagement with the text in its original language and with the best of scholarship, ancient and modern. Professor Wilkins moves from topic to topic with expertise and insight. The result is a rich and satisfying treatment of a writing that profoundly impacted the early Church. *
—Craig A. Evans, Distinguished Research Professor, The Bible Seminary *
Wilkins's work on Matthew is one of the most thorough, evenhanded, and faithful readings of Matthew that I have read. He focuses on history, theology, and literature and thus presents a multilayered reading that will serve readers of the Gospel for years to come. *
—Patrick Schreiner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary *
Writing from a faithfully evangelical Christian approach, Michael Wilkins provides a thorough, wide-ranging, comprehensive, and up-to-date work on Matthean theology that will profit all interpreters of Matthew's Gospel. *
—Craig S. Keener, Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary *