This work by R.T. France is not intended to be a guide to all that has been written in recent years about Matthew. Rather, it is an extended introduction to Matthew designed for a non-specialist readership. France concentrates on those areas he finds most interesting and important for the appreciation of Matthew, but he does touch on most major areas of discussion in Matthean studies. Among other things, France covers Matthew's place in the life of the church, the order of the Gospels, Matthew in the post-apostolic church, reasons for Matthew's preeminence, Matthew in the modern church, and literary relationships and the order of composition of the Gospels.

R. T. France has taught at London Bible College and was principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, from 1989 to 1995. He is coeditor of 'Gospel Perspectives: Studies of History and Tradition in the Four Gospels' and author of 'The Evidence for Jesus' and 'Women in the Church's Ministry: A Test Case for Biblical Hermeneutics'.