Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A strong mid level Matthew volume that keeps us close to the text and clear about Christ.

Publication Date(s): 1996

Pages: 416

ISBN: 9780802800633

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.5/10

We find the exposition consistently anchored in the passage, with careful attention to Matthew’s flow and emphases.

Christ Centredness: 8.2/10

Christ is kept central as Matthew presents Him, as King, teacher, and saving fulfilment of Scripture.

Depth of Insight: 8.2/10

We are helped by clear judgement and steady theological reading without needless detours.

Clarity of Writing: 8.4/10

Clear, readable prose that serves weekly sermon preparation.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.3/10

The commentary supports proclamation that warms faith and strengthens obedience without moralism.

Readability: 8.2/10

A substantial volume, yet accessible and well paced for ministers.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 416 pages
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Strength: Clear handling of Matthew’s flow and themes.
Limitation: Less detailed on technical debates than a fully exegetical series.

We find R. T. France a steady companion in Matthew, with a calm confidence in the text and a clear sense of the Gospel’s flow. He helps us track Matthew’s portrait of Jesus as the promised King, and he keeps the Old Testament setting in view without turning the commentary into a background lecture.

This volume has the Tyndale strengths, it is readable, it is focused, and it stays close to the passage. That makes it a helpful tool when we need clarity and proportion in weekly preparation.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary if we want careful explanation that does not bog down in endless dispute. France is especially useful when Matthew’s themes stack up quickly, fulfilment, kingdom, discipleship, judgement, mercy, and the shape of true righteousness.

We also benefit from his restrained pastoral instinct. He helps us preach Matthew with weight and warmth, pressing for obedience that flows from grace, and keeping the person of Christ front and centre.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level volume for preaching and teaching Matthew. Pair it with a more technical work if you need deeper detail on specific debates, but for clear exposition this volume regularly serves us well.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

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