Methods for Matthew Hardback (Methods in Biblical Interpretation) - Hardcover

'Given the proliferation of new approaches to the Bible in recent years, this survey of critical methods for studying Matthew, by an impressive roster of scholars, is welcome assistance. The succinct essays, taken together, constitute a sure guide, one that helps restore order to a field that can seem chaotic. The chapters should in every case inform experts as well as amateurs.' Dale C. Allison, Jr, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

'Methods for Matthew offers a working knowledge of the state of the art in biblical exegesis. In a judicious presentation of six approaches by leading scholars, the volume avoids both partisan bias and the superficiality of many surveys. Each essay provides a thorough introduction of the method concerned and an illuminating exegesis of Matthew.' Bruce Chilton, Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Religion, Bard College

'Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how modern critical methods work with biblical texts, this volume covers the issue in a comprehensive and compulsively readable way, from the traditional historical-critical method through to the recent entrant, postcolonial criticism. It is written by scholars who are internationally acknowledged as leading practitioners, who have given new shape, style, and direction to the enterprise. What is unique about this volume is that it not only provides the history and the theoretical presuppositions that undergird these critical methods but – more pertinently – supplies suitable practical examples of how they actually illuminate the text, in this case Matthew's gospel. This is a thorough, balanced, persuasive, and engaging work.' R. S. Sugirtharajah, Professor of Biblical Hermeneutics, University of Birmingham

Mark Allan Powell is a Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and an internationally recognized theologian and Bible scholar. The author of more than 25 books and 100 articles, Dr Powell has served as a Visiting Professor at universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Chicago, as well as at schools in Estonia, Tanzania, and Russia. He is best known for his work in literary criticism, Matthean studies, and historical Jesus studies.