The importance of the Gospel of Matthew in church history cannot be overstated. For Jewish readers, it affirmed the Messiahship of Jesus, referring consistently to the Scriptures to establish his credentials. For Gentile disciples, it provided support of their inclusion in God's kingdom. The cross of Christ had removed the division between Jew and non-Jew, and through Matthew's writings, we see Israel's God drawing the entire world to himself through Jesus. In this volume of the NIV Application Commentary, Wilkins explains Matthew's broad appeal not only to his ancient readers, but also to us today. Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Wilkins shares perspectives on Matthew's Gospel that reveal its enduring relevance for our twenty-first-century lives. - Back cover.