Matthew for Everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16-28 (The New Testament for Everyone)

Wright as penned one of the most engaging and interesting series of commentaries I've ever read. And I've read a few. Up till now, my favorite series was J. Vernon McGee's which is still worth having in your library. But I don't think it touches Wright's Everyone series. Sorry McGee fans. Wright is not only a New Testament scholar, but he is also a historian. He does a superb job of placing the reader in the proper historical and cultural context in order to get the full impact of Matthew's narrative. The power of the Gospel is fully on display as Matthew's story climaxes with religious and political powers. The Gospel of Jesus is not passive; it takes on power brokers in the Temple and the Halls of so-called Roman Justice. It exposes the collusion of religion and government and defeats the ultimate weapon they have in their arsenals: death. Jesus takes onto himself all the evil they can deal out and the consequences for sin we all deserve. It is definitely action packed story telling. It's a story where you are cast as a central figure.

Dr. Wright has become the successor to Dr.William Barclay as the number one commentator on the books of the New Testament. He gives both background and understanding to every book he addresses. You will feel as if you were there!

Tom Wright has given a well written and simple to read commentary that is in no way lacking in theological truth and depth. I recommend not only part 2 of Matthew, but part one and the entire Everyone Series by Tom Wright. Oftentimes it seems that when reading the gospel it can be difficult to maintain focus and connect the parts from beginning to end and to Wright's credit, he not only does that, but does it remarkably well. He always has great insight into the meaning of the text and a good example of this is in the passage about Judas (Matthew 27:1-10) who brings the thirty pieces of silver back to the Temple (that Jesus has recently condemned) exclaiming thathe is guilty of betraying innocent blood. Wright points out that the function of the Temple was to deal with guilt, but it is either unable or no longer willing to serve its function and Judas is a case in point. Judas goes and commits suicide from there and the Temple is partly to blame. This type of insight is not an issolated event in this book, but instead you will find it insightful. Wright deals with often misunderstood texts like Matthew 24 and 25 and the book is worth purchasing just to get at the real meaning of these passages. One more point, he has done deep reflection on the meaning of the cross and resurrection accounts and you will not be disappointed in what you learn and how you are again touched by the meaning of these events. I recommend this book for Everyone. Questions or comments contact me at [email protected]