The Theology of the Gospel of Matthew (New Testament Theology)

Rating:
Summary: A worthy look at the Gospel of Matthew
Review: A much better treatment than this series' respective book on Mark, this book on Matthew succeeds in grasping an essence of Matthew's thought-patterns and setting.

While most books in this series have a very contrived structure - introduction and backgroud, theology of, book and NT, book and today - Luz instead presents Matthew's theology in the context of its plot, realizing the necessity of integrating the story to the theology. As becomes clear, Matthew's focus is on discipleship and what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus (according to him). The grapplings of Jewish Christians with the Gentile mission, of observance to and relevance of the law for their life, and the importance of "works" are all themes elucidated clearly by Luz.

In the end, Luz tackles the problem of relating Matthew's works orientation to Paul's justification by faith in more than an adequate manner, although any such "solution" is always incomplete.

Overall, the book is well written and thought out and clearly followed. The only difficulty with the book was sometimes trying to follow the somewhat awkward wording of the author as it has been translated from German into English. But don't let this dissuade you - this book is worth buying.