This introduction to the Gospel of Matthew exemplifies a contextual approach now being used in seminary and church settings across the world. Introductory biblical studies classes have long recognized that small groups provide a safe place for students to learn to interpret biblical texts for themselves. The contextual approach of this introduction further promotes this group learning by:
Guiding participants to prepare the discussion of each passage of Matthew by identifying its teaching for believers in a particular contest;
Introducing the group to the wide variety of claims that are made about the meaning of the Gospel of Matthew, and to ways of assessing these claims; and
Leading the group to take responsibility for the choices each of its members makes between often competing interpretations.
