The Gospel of Matthew and Christian Judaism: The History and Social Setting of the Matthean Community

(Hardback)

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In this meticulously researched and compelling study, David Sim reconstructs the social setting of the Matthean community at the time the Gospel was written and traces its full history.Dr Sim argues that the Matthean community should be located in Antioch towards the latter part of the first century. He acknowledges the dispute within the early Christian movement and its importance. He defines more accurately the distinctive perspectives of the two streams of thought and their respective relationships to Judaism. A new and important work in Matthean studies.

Reviews

'...quite well-argued and a serious contribution to a central debate in current New Testament studies. Matthew is so central in any Christian theological education that all libraries at undergraduate level and beyond will need this alongside R E Brown and J P Meier Antioch and Rome. Robert Morgan, Linacre College, Oxford, Theological Book Review 'At a time like ours when Chrsitians are becoming more aware of their Jewish origins, and more sensitive to the demands of Jewish-Christian dialogue, it is important to have a correct understanding of the first Evangelist's attitude to Judaism and to appreciate the relationships that existed between Matthew's community and their Jewish neighbours. For this reason, the book under review here is a timely and useful work.' Matthew Maher, Irish Theological Quarterly 'This is a bold study, one that will certainly pay rich dividends if it is engaged with seriously. One doesn't necessarily have to agree with the conclusions to find that fresh understanding and insight into Matthew's gospel is to be found.' Larry Kreitzer, Regent's Reviews 'This monograph, one welcomely rich in historical concern and orientation, never leaves the reader in doubt as to the issues, positions and views take, nor does it leave the landscape of Matthean scholarship undisturbed in its traditional configurations. The case Sim makes for Matthew's community as a Torah-observant one, completely, is persuasive and needs to be studied carefully.' Scot McKnight, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 'This work reveals an active and inventive mind. Sim's writing is clear and his content intriguing. He frames the issues and questions well, leaving the reader with little doubt about what is at stake. Undeniably, Sim has written a good book.' Richard Beaton, Journal of Theological Studies
Journal of Religious History 25.1 (February 2001)Highlights: "Sim defends his thesis relentlessly and the product is a provocative study that invites discussion on almost every page. Readers who finally reject Sim's principal conclusions will nevertheless be grateful that his painstaking argument has sharpened their own thinking."

Author Bio

David C. Sim is Associate Professor in Theology at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia.