Preface / John F.A. Sawyer, Christopher Rowland, Judith Kovacs, David M. Gunn -- Introduction:. Matthew among the gospels : a 'harmonious and gentle fullness' ; The approach of this commentary ; The first gospel as the church's gospel ; The gospel with the human face ; Key interpreters across the centuries ; Matthew's gospel in the arts and literature ; The afterlife of Matthew the evangelist -- Matthew 1. Ancient literary contet ; The interpretations ; The title ; The genealogy ; The annunciation to Joseph -- Matthew 2. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; The Magi ; The flight into Egypt ; The slaughter of the innocents ; From Egypt to Nazareth -- Matthew 3. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; John the Baptist's ministry ; The Preaching of John ; Matthew 4. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; The temptation ; To 'Galilee of the Gentiles' ; Four Disciples called -- The sermon on the mount : an overview. Contested meaning ; A sermon for all Christians ; Apologetic and polemical use ; The sermon's radical demands -- Matthew 5. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Jesus ascends the mountain ; The Beatitudes ; Salt and light ; Fulfilling the law and the Prophets -- Matthew 6-7. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Practicing Piety ; Our Father ; Other teachings ; Conclusion to the sermon -- Matthew 8-9. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; A triad of healings ; Crossing the sea and calming the storm ; Two Gadarene Denomiacs ; Controversy in Christ's own city ; Another cluster of miracles -- Matthew 10. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Introducing the twelve ; Commissioning the twelve ; Warning of persecution ; Not peace but a sword ; Demands and rewards -- Matthew 11-12. Ancient literary context ; the interpretations ; John and Jesus ; Rejection in local cities ; The 'Johannine Thunderbolt' ; Growing opposition ; Jesus the gentle servant ; Jesus the Beelzebul ; The sign of Jonah ; Mothers, sisters, and brothers -- Matthew 13. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Teaching from a boat ; The sower and its interpretation ; The purpose of the parables ; The wheat and tares and its interpretation ; The mustard seed and the leaven ; Three more kingdom parables ; The wise householder ; Rejection in Christ's own country -- Matthew 14-15. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; The death of the Baptist ; Two miraculous feedings ; Walking on the water ; Disupte over handwashing ; The Canaanite woman and her daughter -- Matthew 16. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; The leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees ; Peter's confession ; Taking up the cross -- Matthew 17. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; The transfiguration ; The exorcism of the son ; The coin in the fish's mouth -- Matthew 18. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Children and the kingdom ; The lost sheep ; Forgiveness and community discipline ; The unmerciful servant -- Matthew 19-20. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Marriage, divorce, and eunuchs ; The rich youth ; The workers in the vineyard ; The mother of the Sons of Zebedee ; Two blind men at Jericho -- Matthew 21-22. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; The King's humble entry ; The temple incident ; Jesus and the fig tree ; The two sons ; The vineyard tenants ; The marriage feast ; A series of debates -- Matthew 23. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Woes against the scribes and pharisees ; a lament for Jerusalem -- Matthew 24-25. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; Jesus leaves the temple ; From the birthpangs to the parousia ; A call to watchfulness ; The wise and foolish virgins ; The talents ; The judgement of the nations -- Matthew 26-27. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; From plot to arrest ; The two trials ; The Crucifixion of the Messiah ; The burial -- Matthew 28. Ancient literary context ; The interpretations ; The discovery of the tomb ; Grasping Christ's feet ; Bribing the guards ; The encounter on the mountain.