KANSAS CITY, Mo—Midwestern Seminary celebrated the release of Patrick Schreiner’s commentary on Matthew’s Gospel as the first volume of the New Word Biblical Themes: New Testament series (Zondervan, 2025). Schreiner serves as associate professor of New Testament and biblical theology and as the Gene and Jo Downing Endowed Chair of Biblical Studies at Midwestern Seminary.
“I am excited to see Dr. Patrick Schreiner’s new book New Word Biblical Themes: Matthew,” said President Jason Allen. “Patrick has written extensively on Matthew’s Gospel, and this book is a welcomed resource for pastors and churches as they seek to understand various aspects of Matthew’s theology from a seasoned and trusted scholar.”
The New Word Biblical Themes: New Testament series offers short and accessible resources focused on the themes of each New Testament book. Schreiner’s contribution is both academically rigorous and pastorally sensitive.
Schreiner has written previously on Matthew and the nature of the kingdom of heaven. This latest work builds upon those studies, bringing together years of reflection on Matthew’s portrait of Jesus and His kingdom. Through his careful scholarship, Schreiner argues that academic study of Scripture is not an end in itself but a means to greater devotion to Christ and obedience to His Word.
The purpose of this commentary is not to analyze every verse in the Gospel, but to fill a gap in commentaries on Matthew’s Gospel.
Speaking on what makes this commentary unique, Schreiner said, “Despite the abundance of detailed commentaries, a notable shortage exists of accessible, thematic primers on the Gospel of Matthew. This volume was written to meet that need, offering a structured entry point into Matthew’s major themes, equipping readers with a foundational understanding that makes deeper study more fruitful.”
This emphasis on the prominent themes of Matthew’s Gospel allows certain truths to stand out in a way that can sometimes be missed.
Commenting on this, Schreiner stated, “While many believers rightly turn to the Pauline epistles to understand the doctrine of justification, this book argues that Matthew provides an equally vital, narrative-shaped account of how Christ secures righteousness for His people.”
Acknowledging the challenge of obscuring Matthew’s theological vision amid detailed exegesis, Schreiner writes to provide careful exposition while keeping the central themes and message of Matthew in focus. This emphasis offers a helpful resource to pastors and laypeople as they read and understand Matthew’s Gospel.
This commentary focuses on seven main themes: (1) sin and unrighteousness lead to exile, (2) fulfilling all righteousness, (3) Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, (4) Jesus, the Son of God, (5) the law in Matthew, (6) God’s new people, and (7) the kingdom of heaven.
Commenting on how Matthew’s message is meant to help the reader rest in the completed work of the Messiah, Schreiner said, “In an era often characterized by either performance (to earn God’s favor) or cheap grace (that downplays holiness), Matthew’s theology offers a profound corrective. It assures believers that their standing before God rests entirely on Christ’s flawless record, not their own moral achievement.”
In addition to his scholarship at Midwestern Seminary, Schreiner serves as a pastor at Emmaus Church in Kansas City. His hope is that his commentary will bless the study and leadership of pastors while strengthening the spiritual formation of all readers.
Speaking on the significance of this book for ministry leaders, Schreiner stated, “For pastors and ministry leaders, this volume functions as a strategic overview. It is a preparatory tool to frame a series, generate key application points, and maintain a Christ-centered focus throughout a teaching ministry.”
Additionally, on its importance for all Christians following Christ, Schreiner went on to say, “For everyday Christians, the book is structured for personal spiritual formation. Each chapter concludes with a dedicated section on formation, designed to translate Matthew’s theology into transformative practice.”
Schreiner’s desire for the book is that it would exalt the work of Christ and the good news of the gospel. “My hopes for this book are that people will treasure Jesus Christ as their Savior—the long-awaited Jewish Messiah who came not just to teach, but to accomplish for us what we never could. I hope they are captivated by the vision of this same Jesus, who is now building his church and inviting us into the reality of his kingdom.”
New Word Biblical Themes: Matthew is available now from Zondervan Academic or wherever books are sold.
By Jonathan Lumley
