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Commentaries on the Gospel according to Matthew

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Quick Recommendations List

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Best Choices: Wilkins (NIVAC); Carson (EBC); Garland (RNT); Keener (A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew).

Additional Strongly Recommended: Keener (IVPNTC); Blomberg (NAC).

Most Economical: France (TNTC); Keener (IVPNTC); Green (BST); Weber (HNTC).   

Easiest to Read: Garland (RNT); Keener (IVPNTC); France (TNTC); Wilkins (NIVAC); Green (BST); Weber (HNTC). 

Most Practical: Keener (IVPNTC); Wilkins (NIVAC); Garland (RNT).

Mainline Perspectives: Long (WestminsterBC); Davies/Allison (Shorter ICC); Schweizer (The Good News According to Matthew); Boring (NIB); Gardner (BCBC).

Research Specialists: Moderate evangelical: Hagner (WBC, 1-13, 14-28); Gundry (Matthew: A Commentary on His Handbook for a Mixed Church under Persecution); Keener (A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew). Moderate mainline: Davies/Allison (ICC, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3); Ulrich Luz (CC/Hermeneia; Vol. 1; Vol. 2; Vol. 3--not yet in print).

Ideal Pastor’s Library: Wilkins (NIVAC); Carson (EBC); Garland (RNT); Keener (A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew and/or IVPNTC); Blomberg (NAC); France (TNTC); Hagner (WBC, 1-13, 14-28); Morris (PillarNTC); Long (WestminsterBC); Bruner (Matthew: A Commentary, 1-12; 13-28); Davies/Allison (Shorter ICC).

Strongly Recommended:

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Matthew , Michael J. Wilkins, NIV Application Commentary, Zondervan, 2004. Conservative evangelical; beginning/developing level. Strengths: Wilkins methodically lays out his interpretation of Matthew, adhering to the three-part NIVAC format (Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, Contemporary Significance). He presents most of the major interpretive options, weighs them, and gives his reasons for his decisions. For the most part, his judgment is careful and sound. Of the solid comprehensive treatments of Matthew, this is easily the most user-friendly. Weaknesses: I believe it is a mistaken reading of the New Testament to find a place for the geo-political Jerusalem and its temple in the end-times, although Wilkins does not make much of this. The author and his writings: Wilkins has written a technical study of discipleship in Matthew's Gospel and has co-edited a book reporting evangelical responses to the Jesus Seminar.

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"Matthew," Donald A. Carson, Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume VIII, Zondervan 1984. Conservative evangelical, developing/intermediate level. Strengths: This is a candidate for the most outstanding contribution to the EBC series, far exceeding the usual series boundaries. It is comprehensive and packed densely with helpful information and explanations. Carson defends the integrity and authority of Matthew's Gospel at every turn. Even students who are inclined toward more moderate or liberal views should force themselves to examine Carson's arguments because no one does better what he does. Weaknesses: Carson’s strong views are not always as creative or applicable to real life as those of other commentators; they should be balanced by several other viewpoints. The edition, the author, and his writings: Carson also has written a strongly recommended commentary on John's Gospel and many other works of Bible scholarship and Biblical theology, most recently a book advocating a rare position: a peaceable, middle-of-the-road approach toward using inclusive language in Bible translation. In the original hardback binding, Carson's "Matthew" is bound with Wessel on Mark and Liefeld on Luke, both useful but neither on Carson's level. Carson's "Matthew" is also available in two paperback volumes (Matthew 1-12 and Matthew 13-28, 1995), although for only a bit more one can purchase the hardback with the additional works on Mark and Luke. 5-volume NT EBC and 7-volume OT EBC. 12-volume CD-ROM (the least expensive way to buy the EBC).

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Reading Matthew , David E. Garland, Reading the New Testament, Second edition. Smyth & Helwys, 1995, 1999. Conservative evangelical, beginning level. Strengths: Here is a superb, deceptively simple commentary, with a great deal of uncluttered scholarship supporting Garland's conclusions. It goes beyond the literary and theological emphasis of the series, although these are still its strong points. This little volume makes an excellent supplement to Garland's highly recommended commentary on Mark as well as to the other recommended commentaries on Matthew. I have found important information and perspectives here that I did not find in some more detailed works. Weaknesses: Not comprehensive. The author and his writings: Garland has highly recommended commentaries on Mark (NIVAC), 1 Corinthians (BECNT), 2 Corinthians (NAC), and Colossians/Philemon (NIVAC). 

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Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew , Craig S. Keener, Eerdmans, 1999. Moderate evangelical, developing/intermediate level. Strengths: Keener focuses on two aspects of interpreting Matthew: (1) the social-historical contexts of Matthew and his traditions, and (2) passage-by-passage suggestions concerning the nature of Matthew’s exhortations to his audience. Keener is sensitive to the social implications of the text. He offers an abundance of stimulating and invaluable observations for the preacher/teacher and plentiful informative excursuses explaining social-historical phenomena. He interacts with almost all the major scholars whose work pre-dates his own. Keener’s own expertise is in the area of cultural background; no one offers more or better-documented information than does Keener in this volume, making it indispensable for research. Given the technical depth of this book, it is quite readable; those able to blip over the source notes should have little trouble with understanding most of this commentary. Section headings help identify the applications. This book clearly belongs in the forefront of commentaries on Matthew. For even more applications, consult his easier IVPNTC volume. Weaknesses: Sometimes the focus on Matthew’s concerns, always a speculative matter, distracts from the more important focus on Jesus. Although Keener’s judgment is always informed, thoughtful, and faithful, most readers will find points for dissent. For instance, Blomberg, who in general commends both of Keener’s commentaries on Matthew, nonetheless objects: “It…seems a little odd that he would suggest that Matt. 8:5-13 and John 4:46-54 are separate events (a view that only a handful of very conservative harmonizers adopt) while not even countenancing the possibility that Matt. 26:1-16 and Luke 7:36-50 narrate different historical events (a view that almost all conservatives and not a few others have adopted).” The author and his writings: Keener is the author of a major two-volume commentary on John, a practical and readable commentary on Revelation, the IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, and several books of New Testament theology and ethics. 

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Matthew , Craig S. Keener, IVP New Testament Commentary, InterVarsity Press, 1997. Conservative/moderate evangelical, beginning level. See comments on his larger commentary above. Strengths: This little volume, aimed at applying Matthew’s message, delivers Keener’s expertise on the cultural background of the New Testament in friendlier form than his larger commentary. It connects to our culture and contemporary church mission; it is especially good on marriage and divorce. There is much help for the preacher and teacher. Weaknesses: Some of Keener's academic positions vary from traditional ones; the reader wondering about the evidence for his views should check his technical commentary (reviewed above). Do you need both Keener commentaries? There is quite a bit of overlap in the two commentaries, the larger offering much more supportive detail and the smaller offering more application. Consider your needs and your available funds in deciding this issue. The edition: The IVPNTC series is available on CD-ROM in either Logos or STEP (Parsons) formats.

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Matthew , Craig L. Blomberg , New American Commentary, Broadman and Holman, 1992. Conservative evangelical, developing level. Strengths: Blomberg offers a creative, practical, and up-to-date reading of Matthew.  It makes a good supplement for Carson. Weaknesses: It is selective, not comprehensive, in its comments. The author and his writings: Blomberg’s broad interests and skills show in his other writings: Jesus and the Gospels (probably the best introductory text on the Gospels), The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables (an innovative and disciplined approach), Give Me Neither Poverty or Riches: A New Testament Theology of Material Possessions, and he is co-author of Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. He offers a worthy commentary on 1 Corinthians (NIVAC).

Also Recommended:

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Matthew 1-13; Matthew 14-28, two volumes, Donald A. Hagner, Word Biblical Commentary, Nelson-Word, 1993, 1995. Moderate evangelical, intermediate level. Strengths: Hagner’s two-volume work is academically respectable, detailed, and comprehensive. Hagner’s conclusions are generally conservative, but the method of getting to the conclusions may not be. Those who understand Greek will find it especially useful, but the rest of us may also benefit from it if we are willing to work at it. For those desiring a technical treatment of the Greek text, this may serve as a more manageable, affordable alternative to commentaries of Allison and Davies or Luz. Weaknesses: Conservative evangelicals may grow impatient with the moderation of Hagner’s views. The author and his writings: Hagner also offers a popular level commentary on Hebrews.

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Matthew, Richard T. France, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Eerdmans (originally by InterVarsity Press), 1985. Conservative evangelical; beginning level. Strengths: France presents a solid, on-target, profound grasp of Matthew’s theology in concise format. As Carson exceeds the EBC standard, so France exceeds the TNTC standard. This is one of the two best volumes in the New Testament portion of the Tyndale commentaries (the other is Marshall on Acts). Weaknesses: Although large for the TNTC series, it is relatively brief in comparison to a comprehensive commentary and cannot consider all the options. The author and his writings: France has written an introduction to Matthew (Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher, originally published by Paternoster, then by Zondervan, and now by InterVarsity). He also offers a devotional commentary on Mark and is scheduled to produce a technical commentary on Mark.

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The Gospel according to Matthew, Leon Morris, Pillar Commentary, Eerdmans, 1992. Conservative evangelical, developing level. Strengths: This commentary is a more readable alternative to Carson, filling much the same niche of defending a conservative view of Matthew, with more straightforward exposition of the text. Weaknesses: It is less informative than Carson. It has not entered as thoroughly into the first century setting or the literary presentation of the message as many of the other commentaries listed above. The author and his writings: Morris has major commentaries on John, Romans, and I and II Thessalonians as well as a lighter one on Galatians, an EBC commentary on Hebrews, and TNTC volumes on Luke, I Corinthians, I and II Thessalonians, and the Revelation to John. In addition he has written extensively on New Testament introduction, Johannine theology, the atonement, and the cross.

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Matthew: The Christbook: A Historical/Theological Commentary on Matthew 1-12 and Matthew: The Churchbook: A Historical/Theological Commentary on Matthew 13-28, Frederick Dale Bruner, Word, revised and expanded, 2004 (original volumes 1987, 1990). Moderate mainline, developing level. Strengths: Bruner is loaded with fresh insights and illustrations from wide-ranging sources. His style is humble and vulnerable: he often indicates what he does not understand. His growing edges show. He relates to theologians outside the Bible scholarship realm. Mature readers who have other more traditional commentaries may happily use Bruner as a stimulating supplement. Weaknesses: Bruner’s style is meandering and his methods are inconsistent. His middle-of-the-road positions wobble between mainline and evangelical. He does not always bring lines of thinking to conclusion. Some will enjoy this style, but it will drive others to distraction.

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Matthew, Thomas G. Long, Westminster Bible Companion, Westminster John Knox Press, 1997. Moderate mainline, beginning level. Strengths: Long keeps the critical perspectives in bounds and delivers a theologically helpful brief commentary. This would be my choice for a practical mainline commentary. Weaknesses: It is brief.

Others:

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The Message of Matthew, Michael Green, The Bible Speaks Today, InterVaristy Press, 1988, 2000. Conservative evangelical, beginning level. Strengths: This readable treatment is practical and, for the most part, sound. Weaknesses: It cannot be detailed enough to serve asa primary commentary. Among relatively easy-to-read commentaries, It does not compare to Wilkins or Keener (IVPNTC) in usefulness.

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Matthew: A Commentary on His Handbook for a Mixed Church under Persecution, Second Edition, Robert H. Gundry, Eerdmans, 1982/1994. Moderate evangelical/mainline, advanced level. This is a difficult commentary to categorize. Strengths: Gundry offers a great deal of information; he is daring, original (idiosyncratic?), and stimulating. Weaknesses: The problem many evangelicals will have with the commentary on Matthew is that Gundry assumes so much shaping of the material by Matthew that it amounts to Matthew's fictionalizing. The author and his writings: Gundry has written a leading evangelical introduction to the New Testament, offering clear defenses of the traditional authorship. He has a commentary on Mark that many evangelicals will find less objectionable than this commentary on Matthew.

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A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel According to Saint Matthew, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, by W. D. Davies and Dale C. Allison, Jr., International Critical Commentary, T & T Clark, 1988, 1991, 1997. Moderate mainline, advanced level. Strengths: This is the Cadillac of Matthew commentaries; it is the most detailed option, and it is widely respected. Weaknesses: Many evangelicals will find the treatment of miracles such as the virgin birth shaky and perhaps disqualifying. There is an abridgement, Matthew: A Shorter Commentary, that I have not seen. For those who want access to the conclusions of the longer set without the exegetical detail, this might be a good option.

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Matthew, Richard B. Gardner, Believers Church Bible Commentary, Herald Press, 1991. Moderate mainline, beginning level. Strengths: This is one of the more readable treatments of Matthew’s Gospel in this list. There are abundant helpful theological insights; there is aid for the preacher and teacher. The series brings the unique perspective of the Anabaptist tradition where Matthew’s Gospel has been particularly valued. Weaknesses: Conservative evangelicals may not be happy with the approach to historicity, especially in the conception and infancy section.

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"The Gospel of Matthew," M. Eugene Boring, New Interpreter's Bible, Volume 8, Abingdon, 1994. Liberal/moderate mainline, developing level. Strengths: Boring is informative, readable, and theologically perceptive; he recognizes a kind of prophetic inspiration and canonical authority in the Gospel. He draws on a fairly wide spectrum of scholarship (from evangelical R. T. France to liberal N. Perrin) and writes with an eye on the needs of the mainline church. His greatest strength is making connections to scriptures from other parts of the Bible and to some aspects of Biblical theology. Weaknesses: Boring is clearly modernist (tending to dehistoricize and demythologize the biblical stories in the interest of modern social values and world-views). One of many examples of Boring's modernism is his treatment of Satan not as a spiritual being, but as representing supra-personal, systemic evil. This type of approach clearly qualifies his usefulness for many evangelicals. I find Boring's advice to preachers (not to impose their presumably modernist views on their congregations) to be condescending toward laity and toward more conservative viewpoints, but arguably preferable to divisive arrogance. The edition, the author, and his writings: Boring's commentary is bound with Perkins on Mark. Boring also offers the Interpretation commentary on Revelation and the AbingdonNTC on I and II Peter and Jude. The NIB format is both attractive and helpful, although expensive; the series is available in a 13-volume print set or on CD-ROM. Warning: The CD-ROM edition cannot be transferred to your hard drive, but must be accessed from the disks.

I am listing the NIB set, print and electronic editions, from Christian Book Distributors because I believe that they provide better pricing and service on these products:

Hardcover set from CBD

CD-ROM set from CBD

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Matthew 1-7; Matthew 8-12, Ulrich Luz, Continental Commentaries/Hermeneia, Augsburg-Fortress, 1989, 2001. Moderate mainline, advanced level. Slowly being translated from an earlier   German work. It is in transition from Continental to Hermeneia.  It will fill a niche similar to Allison/Davies when complete, but it will be somewhat dated.

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The Good News according to Matthew, Eduard Schweizer, Westminster John Knox Press, 1975. Liberal mainline, developing level. Strengths: Schweizer is theologically profound and not overly-complicated. Weaknesses: He is modernist in perspective. Those who are interested in Schweizer's work would do well to buy all three volumes of the Good News series, one on each of the Synoptic Gospels. In some ways, the Mark volume is foundational to the other two.

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Matthew, Robert H. Mounce, New International Biblical Commentary, Hendrickson, 1991. Conservative evangelical, beginning level. Strengths: Mounce is a competent New Testament scholar with more substantive commentaries on Revelation and Romans. This little book might be a starter for someone wishing to dip a toe into the commentary pool. Weaknesses: This commentary does not measure up to his other work or to the other volumes on the Gospels in this series; it lacks the detail to cover the subject adequately.

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Matthew, Stuart K. Weber, Holman New Testament Commentary, Broadman & Holman, 2000. Conservative evangelical, beginning level. Strengths: This is very readable and occasionally provides useful tidbits. Someone who knows little about Matthew may find it helpful. Weaknesses: Weber does not fully engage the social values contained in Matthew’s message about Jesus, nor does he help the reader see beyond stereotypes of the Pharisees. His political leanings show through in the contemporary quotations he chooses. In the end, I think this commentary may mislead nearly as often as it leads.

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Matthew, Donald Senior, Abingdon New Testament Commentary, Abingdon, 1996. Roman Catholic equivalent to moderate mainline.  Filling a niche similar to Long’s WestmnisterBC  volume. It is a matter of personal preference, but I prefer Long to represent mainline perspectives because I find his insights more usable.

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Matthew, Douglas R. A. Hare, Interpretation, Westminster John Knox Press, 1993. Moderate mainline, developing level. Strengths: Hare offers insights and tidbits of information. Weaknesses: It is not in my judgment very helpful to its intended audience: preachers and teachers. Among other things, a subdued and hedged modernism seems to undermine its clarity and power.