The Dreams Of Matthew 1 18 2 23

The first Gospel has traditionally been considered a very Jewish work. Recent scholarship has suggested some Hellenistic influence. The issue is explored in this work with attention focused on the dream narratives of the first two chapters. An investigation is carried out using a new methodology. The memory techniques used in an oral or semi-literate society are explored. A search is made for such techniques in Matthew and these are then compared with similar devices in a wide range of literature, Old Testament, contemporary Jewish, Greek and Roman. The intention is that literary practice should help to clarify the cultural setting in which Matthew functions. This is a work which will interest New Testament scholars with a focus on Gospel studies and oral transmission. It may also appeal to some classical scholars or those with a specialized interest in Josephus.

In this fresh commentary, the fourth of eighteen volumes in the Paideia series, a leading New Testament scholar examines cultural context and theological meaning in Matthew. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by • Attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs • Showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits • Commenting on the final, canonical form of each New Testament book • Focusing on the cultural, literary, and theological settings of the text • Making judicious use of maps, photos, and sidebars in a reader-friendly format

This readable commentary exposes theological meaning in Matthew by tracing its use of rhetorical strategies from the ancient cultural and educational context.

The Asia Bible Commentary series empowers Christian believers in Asia to read the Bible from within their respective contexts. Holistic in its approach to the text, each exposition of the biblical books combines exegesis and application. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the Body of Christ in Asia by providing pastoral and contextual exposition of every book of the Bible. The Great Commission is yet to be fulfilled. Asian churches, like Matthew’s original audience, are encountering various challenges as they obey Jesus’ last command in the First Gospel. The promise of the presence of God accompanies Jesus’ command and in Matthew’s narrative God’s presence is seen powerfully in Jesus’ life. Believers today can hold to the same promise, and this promise should be an encouragement to continue preaching God’s kingdom.

From beginning to end, the very structure of the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the Son of God. At climactic points Jesus is so identified—by Peter, by a Roman centurion, by Jesus himself, and by God the Father. With The Gospel of the Son of God, David Bauer provides a comprehensive introduction to this Gospel that has been so foundational to the Christian church. Arguing that the nature of Matthew itself should provide us with the framework for its study, he presents a holistic inductive approach with a literary, theological, and canonical focus. In the first section on orientation, Bauer explores issues of genre, interpretive methods, authorship, audience, and literary structure. Then he moves to interpretation, guiding readers through the meaning of sections of the text. Finally, the reflection section synthesizes and develops major theological themes emerging from the interpretation, including Christology, salvation history, eschatology, and discipleship. While providing a sound basis for the study of Matthew, Bauer goes beyond typical introductory issues to draw out the rich theological vision of the Gospel. His careful scholarship and clear exposition will make this a valuable resource for college and seminary students and pastors.

All of Scripture testifies to the person of Jesus, yet the Gospels offer a face-to-face encounter. This newly revised third edition of Jesus and the Gospels prepares readers for an in-depth exploration of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Esteemed New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg considers the Gospels’ historical context while examining fresh scholarship, critical methods, and contemporary applications for today. Along with updated introductions, maps, and diagrams, Blomberg’s linguistic, historical, and theological approach delivers a deep investigation into the Gospels for professors, students, and pastors alike.

Create stimulating, family-oriented Lenten worship that captivates the imagination with this engaging ""dramily"" series. Six humorous sketches, interwoven with brief homilies highlighting key points, update the familiar Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers for contemporary audiences ? providing an instructive and entertaining resource for midweek programs. Additional messages and dramas for Holy Week and Easter Sunday shift the focus to Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. By touching on such universal experiences as family squabbles, sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, jealousy, hatred, false accusations, reconciliation, trust, and healing, Hey Joseph! is certain to resonate with the people in the pews. It offers pastors, worship leaders, and drama groups a thematically unified total package that's flexible and easy to adapt for any size church. A complete list of simple props is included, along with helpful illustrations for constructing ""Joseph's Granary,"" which may be stocked with food donations for local pantries. Even as the congregation chuckled at Joseph in disguise and related to the siblings' rivalry, they were already looking forward to the next week's drama. Arley Fadness's characters give life to Old Testament stories through humor and innovation ? and always with a message of helping those who are in need. Jeff Tengesdal Pastor, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Bismarck, North Dakota Hey Joseph! is an excellent resource for the worship life of your parish ministry. We used it and the congregation loved it and learned from it. The involvement of laypeople of every age made it even more delightful. Our Lenten services were filled every Wednesday, with more coming every week. Howard A. Skulstad Pastor, Long Lake Lutheran Church Isanti, Minnesota Hey Joseph! brings new energy to an Old Testament character, making the experiences of his life relevant for today. The series created an enthusiasm that continued to build throughout the Lenten season as our church body united around its central theme. Active participation on the part of youth and children made Hey Joseph! a fun and exciting intergenerational event. Nedra Patenaude Former Youth Director, Messiah Lutheran Church North Mankato, Minnesota Arley K. Fadness is a retired ELCA pastor who has served numerous Lutheran parishes in South Dakota and Minnesota. He is currently an associate pastor at Custer Lutheran Fellowship in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, and is also a congregational consultant coaching churches in visioning processes. A graduate of Augustana College, Luther Theological Seminary, and McCormick Theological Seminary, Fadness is the author of several CSS Publishing Company titles, including Where's Noah? and Six Spiritual Needs In America Today.