Matthew - a Great Light Dawns (Reading The Bible Today Series)

Bolt has written an introductory commentary to Matthew that will be helpful to lay person and pastor alike. He takes Matthew section by section. Unfortunately his treatment is uneven, where some large passages receive only a little explanation, but some shorter passages receive extensive treatment. Overall it is a commentary well-worth adding to one's library.

Matthew's Gospel is a mighty book yet this relatively brief commentary still manages to communicate a sense of the power and impact of Jesus' teaching and deeds. Peter Bolt's writing is clear and the book flows well and contains helpful devotional insights. The interpretation of some passages seems a stretch at times and unfortunately, this series does not provide the space to fully argue for non-standard positions or sketch out the alternatives. Nevertheless, beginners in Matthew will be greatly helped by reading this commentary alongside the Gospel itself.