Today with so many changes in society, stress in our daily lives, and mistrusts among nations it is important to look to the Bible for guidance and inspiration. God still speaks to men through His Word. Matthew focuses on Jesus as the Messiah and the King. He demonstrates that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promise God had made to Israel. Although Matthew does not have the universal appeal of Luke, he does show how Gentiles were a part of Jesus' ministry in spite of His desire to focus on the people of Israel. They are represented in the genealogy, in the visit of the Magi, in the healing of the centurion's servant, the deliverance of the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman, the centralization of His ministry in "Galilee of the Gentiles," and in the Great Commission. The commentary is an exposition of the Gospel of Matthew, which considers the context, historical background, parallel passages of Scripture, in addition to theological principles. It includes a bibliography, charts, maps, and other helps. Its contents are designed to help pastors, teachers, and Bible students to read the Gospel of Matthew with greater clarity and understanding, and helps them proclaim God's Word with power and conviction. This new commentary on the Gospel of Matthew provides the scholar, student, and ministry practitioner with access to the Gospel. It opens Matthew's message of Jesus as the Messiah and King with clarity and emphasis. One comes away from the commentary encouraged to proclaim that same message-Jesus is the Messiah and King James Railey, Jr., PhD, Former Academic Dean A/G Theological Seminary Dr. Charles Estridge has given students and preachers of Scripture a great gift in this new Gospel commentary. His study of Matthew is wide-ranging in its sources, faithful to the plain meaning of Scripture, concise in structure, warmly pastoral in application, and irenic in its discussion of varying viewpoints. Best of all, the serious student of God's Word will find spiritual bread here which he or she can feed to others who hunger for the Word of God. Enjoy this exposition of Matthew's five discourses on the teachings and life of the Messiah-the One who inherited the Kingdom of David and fulfilled the world-changing promises made to Abraham Paul York, PhD, Chi Alpha Missions Training and Mobilization Dr. Charles Estridge is a capable scholar and a ministry practitioner with years of experience in pastoral ministry and theological training in bible schools in America and Africa. Moreover, he is a man who loves Jesus Christ and who has spent his life in service for the Church. Pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible will find his commentary full of insight into the message of the Gospel of Matthew. It demonstrates careful exegesis and practical reflection on the meaning of the text. It is a valuable tool that will help those called by God to preach and teach His word. I highly recommend it. Mark Turney, President West Africa School of Theology
