In this study Jurgen Becker presents a new historically grounded explanation of the phrases "kingdom of God" and "God's reign" - the central terms of Jesus' proclamation. He draws on a range of sources to trace Jesus'special position within early Judaism. At the same time, he retains his focus on Jesus' ministry, viewed as the beginning of the history of early Christianity. The proclamation of the kingdom is thus seen by Becker as the founding moment of a distinct community of faith.

The birth narrative, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, the beginnings of his Galilean ministry, and the Sermon on the Mount are all brilliantly illumined by Ulrich Luz's expert textual and historical-critical analysis and theological commentary. Luz brings special attention to the subsequent history of Christian appropriation of Matthew in homiletical and artistic interpretation, and addresses the terrible legacy of Christian anti-Judaism. This volume completes Luz's three-volume commentary on the Gospel of Matthew in the Hermeneia series. A translation of the earlier German edition of Matthew 1-7 appeared in Fortress Press's Continental Commentary series. The text has been thoroughly revised and updated.