Matthew 1-13

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholarsUse with caution
Bible Book: Matthew
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Non-Evangelical / Critical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Looking for alternatives? Compare Matthew commentaries.

Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.4/10

Publication Date(s): 2001
Pages: 326
ISBN: 9780830814862
Faithfulness to the Text: 6.9/10
Many comments align with the thrust of Matthew, but the approach can jump quickly to application. Keep testing each insight against the immediate context.
Christ Centredness: 8.4/10
The christological focus is strong, especially in fulfilment themes and moral teaching. That is a strength when it remains tethered to the passage.
Depth of Insight: 7/10
There are genuine theological gems, though the brief format prevents full development. Expect sparks more than sustained fire.
Clarity of Writing: 7.2/10
Most extracts are clear, but some assume familiarity with patristic categories. Slow reading helps you gain the benefit.
Pastoral Usefulness: 7.4/10
It can strengthen application and doxology, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. It does not replace careful modern exposition.
Readability: 7.3/10
Easy to consult in sermon prep, less suited to straight through reading. It works best when used alongside your preaching text.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
326 pages
Type
Theological
Theo. Perspective
Non-Evangelical / Critical
Overall score
7.4 / 10

This volume gathers early Christian comments on Matthew 1 to 13, arranged by verse reference. It reads like a historical reader rather than a modern commentary, offering short extracts that reflect doctrinal commitments and pastoral concerns. You will see how earlier Christians approached genealogy, fulfilment, the Sermon on the Mount, miracles, and parables.

Strengths

The extracts frequently press towards worship and obedience. They can enrich preaching by offering theological language, moral seriousness, and christological focus. The fathers often notice connections and patterns that modern readers overlook, and their instincts can help you preach Matthew as a gospel for the church, not merely a record of events.

Limitations

The catena format means you do not get a single coherent exposition of each section. Context can be underplayed, and some readings can become overly spiritualised. There is little engagement with historical background or literary structure. If you rely on this volume alone, you may miss Matthew own argumentative flow and the distinctive emphasis of each unit.

How We Would Use It

Work through the passage carefully in Matthew, then consult this volume to gather historic theological and pastoral reflections. It is best as a supplement when you want to deepen application or find christological accents, while still letting the text control the sermon structure.

Closing Recommendation

A rewarding companion for advanced readers who can sift. Use it to add depth and breadth, but keep your foundations in contextual exegesis.

Where to buy
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Classification

  • Level: Advanced
  • Best For: Advanced students / scholars
  • Priority: Use with caution

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Reviewed by

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