Matthew and the Margins: A Sociopolitical and Religious Reading

This verse by verse commentary presents the Gospel of Matthew as a counter-narrative that shapes the group of Jesus' followers as an alternative community able to resist the dominant authorities both in Rome and in the synagogue. The Gospel anticipates the time when Jesus will return and establish God's reign over all, including the powers in Rome. Breaking Matthew into five narrative blocks, Carter carefully considers historical, literary, cultural, and ecclesial factors as he explores the themes of marginality and power. A masterful introduction outlines these approaches and surveys other studies on Matthew.