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 *
