I appreciate Charles Quarles’s reflection on Matthew’s gospel, and how the opening verses establish the theological themes that ought to shape our reading of the book. Quarles describes how even his PhD students often need to learn how to read the Bible the way the author intended. His observations and reflections are well worth considering.
For the last ten years I have concentrated my studies on learning to read theologically the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Matthew. By reading “theologically” I do not mean reading Matthew through the lens of a particular creed or confession (though I am strongly confessional). Nor do I mean asking how each narrative or paragraph might relate to the various categories of systematic theology like ecclesiology, pneumatology, demonology, etc. (though I highly value systematic theology and often employ this reading strategy). I mean rather reading Matthew like the apostle himself intended it to be read. Matthew has packed his Gospel with all the cues and prompts necessary to read his Gospel properly.
Peter,
Again thank you for holding forth the Word yesterday @ HCC. Mt. C.
It was not wasted on my family. We had a great mutually edifying discussion
at the dinner table, re the responsible and. frankly ‘anointed’, delivery of the
Job. yesterday. We all profited!!
In study this AM it occurred to me that one more key to appreciating Job is
the NT- acknowledged, fact of God’s great pity–as it concerns sufferers. This
is of coarse, one great attraction to fearing God. Just adding to the larger pic-
ture of the gracious nature of the God we fear.
Love you, Brother….and Thanks again for serving and persevering in Christ. All
things are ours-in Him!!
Dave Ziegert
It was my privilege to be with you all. Thanks for the encouragement!