The Shape of Matthew's Story

The Gospel of Matthew, like the other Gospels, is a story that unfolds as a plotted sequence of words and events, beginning with Jesus' birth and closing with his presence to the disciples as their risen Lord. Matthew is best known for his account of the birth of Jesus, Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Son of Man, and the final commission of all the disciples to preach the gospel to all nations. The Shape of Matthew's Story focuses on the temporal and geographical flow of the unfolding narrative and the interacting roles of the protagonists. It traces an early Christian storyteller's presentation of God, Jesus Christ, the call to discipleship, and the Christian Church. Fr. Francis Moloney, a noted scholar, has published many works of serious scholarship and books that address the general public. His book, The Shape of Matthew's Story, offers an accessible, insightful, and lucid introduction to the first Gospel, benefiting students and clergy alike. Moloney employs considerable skills as a narrative critic to offer a compelling account of Matthew's story of the Messiah, from birth to death and beyond, inviting the reader into a community of disciples taught by Jesus.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2023
Publisher: Paulist Press International,U.S.

The Gospel of Matthew, like the other Gospels, is a story. The narrative nature of Matthew's account of the life of Jesus unfolds as a plotted sequence of words and events, beginning with his birth and closing with his presence to the disciples as their risen Lord. The location of any single passage within the flow of the unfolding story is a major guide to understanding this Gospel. Matthew is best known for his account of the birth of Jesus (Matt 1—2); Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Son of Man, the Son of God (16:13–20); and the final commission of all the disciples to preach the gospel to all nations (28:16–28). But where do these famous passages appear in the story? What preceded them and what follows? The first Gospel famously highlights five major discourses, during which only Jesus speaks. How do they contribute to Matthew's story of the life of Jesus?

The Shape of Matthew's Story focuses upon the temporal and geographical flow of the unfolding narrative, and the interacting roles of the protagonists within it. It traces an early Christian storyteller's single-minded presentation of God, Jesus Christ, the call to discipleship, and the Christian Church.

Endorsements:

Throughout his long and productive career, Fr. Francis Moloney has published many works of serious scholarship along with books that address the general public. His ability to speak clearly and intelligently on both levels, often at the same time, is truly remarkable.

The Shape of Matthew's Story is a prime example of his making academic research available to the educated laity. —John P. Meier, University of Notre Dame

In typical Moloney fashion, The Shape of Matthew's Story delivers an accessible, insightful, and lucid introduction to the first Gospel. Students and clergy alike will be engaged and informed by this insightful work.

Weight: 184g
Dimension: 139 x 210 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780809155989