"This book invites readers to enter the narrative world and the historical context of Matthew's gospel to encounter Jesus Christ in his mighty works and words. Focusing on particular social and theological issues, such as eschatology and Jewish-Christian conflict, it shows how Matthew used Jesus' stories and teachings to instruct and sustain his racially-mixed church to meet the severe challenges posed by Pharisaic opposition, Roman suspicion and intramural tension. It is worth noting that the church today faces similar challenges in its need to articulate its faith and identity, to bear strong witness and unity, and to carry out its missions to baptize and teach the world. Sponsored by the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars, the Conversations with Scripture series was created just for Episcopalians. Each book is designed for people in the pews eager to learn more about Scripture--and how it applies to their lives today."