This scholarly yet devotional Bible commentary in Black's New Testament Commentaries series focuses on a thorough analysis of Matthew's understanding of the story of Jesus and how he intended his work to be studied. The author emphasizes the unique setting of Matthew's Gospel, a powerful blend of Judeo-Christian sentiment and a global missionary vision. The commentary highlights Matthew's role not simply as a storyteller but as a teacher serving the church. He discusses how the Gospel writer structured his material for the practical teaching purposes of the early church. He also seeks to show how Matthew, while using traditional material, put his 'personal signature' throughout the Gospel, organizing the story of Jesus' life thematically. He discusses how Matthew emphasizes an understanding of the church and the kingdom of God, and shows that the Gospel writer directs the church to live according to God's rule. This book is designed to provide insight for pastors and general readers, combining scholarly research with practical devotional value.