Matthew Through OT Eyes - by David Capes (Paperback)

About the Book

The Gospel of Matthew contains both overt and subtle connections to the Old Testament, capitalizing on the scriptural literacy of the work's original, first-century Jewish audience. These complex and multifaceted connections are not always recognized by today's readers, meaning significant ideas can be easily missed or misappropriated. David B. Capes elucidates these extensive backgrounds, echoes, quotations, ways of thinking, and patterns of living, showing how God's plan--introduced in the Hebrew Scriptures--is revealed through the very person, work, life, and ministry of Jesus. Avoiding overly technical discussions and interpretive debates to concentrate on Old Testament influences, this book combines rigorous, focused New Testament scholarship with deep respect for the entire biblical text.

Book Synopsis

A New Testament commentary steeped in the Old Testament
Through Old Testament Eyes is a new kind of commentary series that illuminates the Old Testament backgrounds, allusions, patterns, and references that saturate the New Testament. These links were second nature to the New Testament authors and their audiences, but today's readers often cannot see them. Bible teachers, preachers, and students committed to understanding Scripture will gain insight through these rich Old Testament connections, which clarify puzzling passages and explain others in fresh ways.
The Gospel of Matthew contains both overt and subtle connections to the Old Testament, capitalizing on the scriptural literacy of the work's original, first-century Jewish audience. These complex and multifaceted connections are not always recognized by today's readers, meaning significant ideas can be easily missed or misappropriated. David B. Capes elucidates these extensive backgrounds, echoes, quotations, ways of thinking, and patterns of living, showing how God's plan--introduced in the Hebrew Scriptures--is revealed through the very person, work, life, and ministry of Jesus.
Avoiding overly technical discussions and interpretive debates to concentrate on Old Testament influences, this book combines rigorous, focused New Testament scholarship with deep respect for the entire biblical text.

Review Quotes

"David Capes applies his extensive knowledge of the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism to reveal the world of Jesus in Matthew's gospel. Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes adds layers of historical and theological context to familiar verses and sheds light on puzzling passages. Capes's long-standing friendships with rabbis is evident in his careful descriptions of Jesus's interlocutors. Everyone preaching or teaching on Matthew should have this commentary ready to hand."--Lynn Cohick "Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Director, Houston Theological Seminary" (11/27/2023 12:00:00 AM)

As one more incredibly beneficial contribution to a wonderful series, Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes, offers readers a thorough, yet not dense, treatment of the whole of the first Gospel. It lives up to its promise. Even in passages I have studied for years, Capes' approach presented fresh perspectives I have never considered before. With this intentional focus on the Old Testament, Capes is able to trace out many of the threads from Israel's story in each section, revealing an intricate and beautiful cloth revealing the face of the Messiah.--Amy Peeler "Associate Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

David Capes shows how the Old Testament is the substructure and scaffolding for the Gospel of Matthew. Indeed, from the birth narratives, to the Sermon on the Mount, all the way through to the Great Commission, Capes carefully and convincingly shows how the entire story is suffused with the fulfilment of Scripture. An informative read and a necessary tool for teachers and preachers of Matthew's Gospel.--Rev. Dr Michael F. Bird "Academic Dean at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes is a gem for all Bible readers. I wish I had this book when I was a local church pastor who preached regularly. David Capes not only provides keen insights into Matthew's message, but also offers guidance for all interpreters--preachers, teachers, scholars, and other students of Scripture--to enhance their own exegetical work.--Rev Dennis R. Edwards "PhD, Seminary Dean, North Park Theological Seminary" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)