Ideally suited for the classroom or for the minister s library, this work models the sound principles of exegesis essential to any study of the Bible. Carter impresses upon the reader the need to hear the author s words and to note their effect upon the original readers as well as upon the careful reader of today."With a deft touch and an eye for detail, Carter invites the reader to follow him on a well-planned literary tour of the world of Matthew's Gospel and its story of Jesus. To begin the tour, Carter acquaints the reader with the social and cultural circumstances of Matthew's author and audience and then shows the reader the heart of Matthew's story as he discusses its viewpoint, plot, settings, and characters. To conclude the tour, Carter relates Matthew's gospel-proclamation to various aspects of contemporary religious experience. Writing for students, ministers, and scholars alike, Carter demonstrates a fine mastery of both historical and literary methods. His book will be touted as a worthy contribution to Matthean studies."" Jack Dean Kingsbury, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, Editor, "Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology""Warren Carter presents a balanced literary, social, and historical interpretation of Matthew. He concerns himself with these three approaches in order to elucidate what Matthew had to say, how he said it, and how it might be experienced today. . . . His book is a good introduction both to Matthew and to the processes of thoughtful reading. Carter's work may not be the last word on Matthew's gospel" indeed, he would not want it to be" but it is a work that helps its readers begin their own dialogue with the gospel, a fitting goalfor all biblical interpretation."" Steven J. Kraftchick, Assistant Professor of Ne