Dale Allison, one of the preeminent New Testament scholars of our day, gathers here thirteen essays on significant features of Matthew. These essays display the historical, literary, and theological acumen that make Allison a leading figure in gospel studies. Nine of the essays are previously unpublished; the other four are thoroughly revised.

Part 1 draws upon the exegetical tradition, from church fathers through medieval interpreters to nineteenth-century commentators, to highlight interpretive possibilities missed by their more recent heirs. Allison does not merely assert but demonstrates in studies of several of the Gospel’s more puzzling episodes that "the exegetical past," while requiring critical sifting, nevertheless offers genuine insights that we neglect to our loss.

Part 2 brings Allison’s own literary sensitivities to bear to illuminate the structure and meaning of the First Gospel as a whole and several of its key narrative elements. Careful attention to Matthew’s verbal signals and textual architecture brings his theological themes into sharper focus.

A must for Matthean scholars, this volume shows the way for all who would draw upon exegetical tradition as well as current historical knowledge and critical methodology to enrich contemporary understanding of New Testament texts.

These erudite essays by one of the foremost Matthean scholars of our day show how illuminating it can be to consult the history of interpretation and, in particular, the patristic commentators when it comes to the exegesis of the Gospel of Matthew. We can find fresh insights and new understandings by looking back to how earlier interpreters dealt with the material. These stimulating essays provide abundant hermeneutical insights into the interpretive process itself–all under the wise and mature judgment of a seasoned exegete. This book is therefore not only for Matthean specialists, but will prove rewarding for all who are interested in biblical interpretation.–Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

Dale Allison has been widely recognized as a leading interpreter of the Gospel of Matthew since the completion of the International Critical Commentary in 1997, and with the publication of Studies in Matthew he establishes and enhances his eminence. Colleagues and knowledgeable readers will be informed by his erudition and impressed by his selective appropriation of the insights of predecessors from the nineteenth century back through the patristic period. He is also sensitive to the importance and breadth of historical issues, as well as matters of theological relevance. Although Allison is obviously not writing for beginners, his style is clear and accessible, so that one is never left wondering what he is thinking.–D. Moody Smith, George Washington Ivey Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Duke University