Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew - by Jonathan T Pennington (Paperback)

About the Book

A rising scholar explores Matthew's "kingdom of heaven," challenging both the scholarly and popular understandings of this phrase.

Book Synopsis

The theme of heaven and earth is a much-overlooked aspect of the Gospel of Matthew. In this work, rising scholar Jonathan Pennington articulates a fresh perspective on this key interpretive issue, challenging both the scholarly and popular understandings of the meaning of Matthew's phrase, "kingdom of heaven."

Pennington argues that rather than being a reverent way of referring to God as is typically assumed, "heaven" in Matthew is part of a highly developed discourse of heaven and earth language. Matthew's way of using heaven language serves one overriding theological purpose: to highlight the tension that currently exists between heaven and earth or God and humanity, while looking forward to its eschatological resolution. This affordable North American paperback edition was previously published in hardcover by Brill.

From the Back Cover

"Matthew's distinctive use of the term 'kingdom of heaven' is usually treated as an insignificant variant of 'kingdom of God.' Pennington's persuasive argument shows, however, that it is integral to Matthew's theology and serves a distinctive theological purpose. This book makes an important contribution to our appreciation of the theology of Matthew's Gospel."--Richard Bauckham, emeritus professor of New Testament studies, University of St. Andrews, Scotland

"When I began to read this book, I was sure that the main thesis was wrong. When I finished, I was sure it was right. This is a significant contribution that corrects much we have mistakenly taken for granted."--Dale C. Allison Jr., Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary

"This book is a refreshingly well-written compendium of research that is both comprehensive and convincing. Pennington has articulated a more careful understanding of a pervasive theme in the first Gospel that must be accounted for in subsequent scholarship."--Daniel M. Gurtner, assistant professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary

"This clear and compelling study sheds fresh light on familiar but inadequately understood expressions dominant in Matthew's Gospel. Specialists will appreciate Pennington's thoroughness, logical rigor, and independence of judgment. Pastors and advanced students will benefit from his practical findings. This is a model of creative investigation into Matthew's theological convictions and literary strategy."--Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary

"Pennington's work on heaven and earth in Matthew enriches readers at several levels. He challenges long-standing exegetical assumptions, showing that they lack a credible foundation. He offers a deft and insightful interpretation of the terms heaven and earth in Matthew and fruitfully explores the theological import of the terms. We stand in debt to Pennington for this significant and creative study."--Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

About the Author

Jonathan T. Pennington (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is associate professor of New Testament interpretation and director of research doctoral studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has published a number of biblical language learning tools, including New Testament Greek Vocabulary and Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary.