Gospel For A New People

This book thoroughly examines Matthew’s gospel – it discusses the appropriate methods for interpretation and considers in detail its origin, purpose, and social setting. Graham Stanton claims that Matthew wrote following a period of bitter disputes with fellow Jews. With considerable literary, catechetical, and pastoral skill the evangelist composed a gospel for a new people (both Jews and Gentiles) in a cluster of Christian communities. Stanton discusses redaction critical, literary critical, and social scientific approaches to the interpretation of Matthew; he argues that Matthew’s gospel was shaped by the “parting of the ways” with Judaism; and he includes two essays on the Sermon on the Mount and one on Matthew’s use of the Old Testament. Graham Stanton is Professor of New Testament Studies, King’s College, University of London, England.