In this addition to the projected eighteen-volume Paideia commentary series, leading New Testament scholar Charles Talbert examines cultural context and theological meaning in Matthew.<BR><BR>"Most commentaries rewrite earlier commentaries. The better ones, to the contrary, often go their own way. Talbert's work happily is of the latter type. It regularly offers fresh readings and new comparative materials, especially from Greco-Roman sources. This is not a tired rehashing but a welcome contribution."---Dale C. Allison Jr., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary<BR><BR>"In this stimulating reading of Matthew's Gospel, Charles Talbert draws on his extensive learning to attend insightfully to various cultural, literary, and theological dimensions of the Gospel. Students will find his clear prose, insightful discussion, and theological reflections especially valuable. I will be adding this commentary to course bibliographies."---Warren Carter, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University<BR><BR>"This is a remarkable book! In brief compass, Talbert provides a fresh reading of Matthew's Gospel as a book that is grace-oriented from start to finish. His interpretations are lucid and compelling, arising from analysis of the text on its own terms and in consideration of its literary and historical contexts. Students and church leaders will value this book as either a first introduction to the Gospel of Matthew or a refresher volume that will update (and possibly correct) what they have read previously."---Mark Allan Powell, Trinity Lutheran Seminary<BR><BR>"With an impressive command of historical, textual, literary, cultural, and theological issues, Charles Talbert has produced a commentary on Matthew that is lucid, compelling, and eminently useful for interpretation and proclamation. In a crowded field of volumes on the First Gospel, this one stands out."---Thomas G. Long, Candler School of Theology, Emory University