Click on the link to view Craig S. Keener, Matthew (IVP New testament Commentary Series; Downer’s Grove: IVP, 1997).
Keener is a tremendously distinguished scholar. According to his faculty page, he is presently (Feb 2014) Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary (since July 2011). Dr. Keener was professor of New Testament at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University, where he taught for 15 years; before that time he was professor at Hood Theological Seminary.
Craig has authored 17 books, four of which have won book awards in Christianity Today. His IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (1993), which he is currently revising, has sold more than half a million copies (including editions in several languages, including more than fifty thousand copies in Korean). His recent books include Acts: A Exegetical Commentary (vol. 1, Baker Academic, 2012; vols. 2-4 are forthcoming); Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts (Baker Academic, 2011); The Historical Jesus of the Gospels (Eerdmans, 2009); The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary (Eerdmans, 2009); Romans (Cascade, 2009); 1-2 Corinthians (Cambridge, 2005); The Gospel of John: A Commentary (Hendrickson/Baker Academic, 2003).
Here are endorsements of his much more extensive volume on Matthew taken from its page on Westminster Bookstore’s site (Please note, these are not about the volume made available here, but his later and more academic commentary on Matthew):
“Keener is an outstanding exegete. His commentary is distinctive in its emphasis on the social-historical context of the Gospel.”
– Keith Mathison
“Craig Keener’s academic commentaries are among the most important in print, because they not only summarize former scholarship but add so many new insights from primary literature of the time.”
– David Instone-Brewer University of Cambridge
“This commentary is invaluable in its thorough discussion of social and historical background for virtually every sentence of the Gospel. The citations of both primary and secondary sources are encyclopedic…. Keener’s commentary sets a new standard in providing comprehensive and helpful background information.”
– Interpretation
“Keener has produced a distinctive and valuable and insightful commentary. With its abundant references to ancient literature and secondary literature, it can only be described as a remarkable tour de force. Solidly evangelical, deeply thoughtful, always informed and eminently practical, this is a commentary that will faithfully lead readers to the heart of Matthew.”
– Themelios
“A thorough commentary. Keener meticulously works his way through the Gospel dealing with important themes that emerge along the way. In the process, he provides a wealth of insight into life in Jesus’ day and what Matthew’s Gospel meant to the earliest readers…. Biblical scholars and well-schooled pastors will find it a valuable addition to their library.”
– CBA Marketplace
