By arguing that Matthew's Gospel can be read as a ""homecoming story"" according to the ancient formula of the ""Banished and Returning Prince,"" Robert Beck offers a fresh and provocative reinterpretation of the Gospel. He exploits this understanding of the narrative to disclose new elements within the plot, to identify a fresh resolution to conflict development within the tale, and to arrive at an unprecedented explanation of the place of violence and nonviolence within Matthew's text. The traditional roles of Usurper, Impostor, and Mentor are examined for insight into what Matthew's...

Bible study groups sometimes find themselves stalled in a process of sharing personal impressions while looking for more depth. Others read commentaries, but long to engage the biblical text itself. Where does one begin? A Bible Study Program Using the Sunday Lectionary offers a toolkit of approaches for reading the biblical text that a variety of reading groups have already found helpful. Unlike some study methods that emphasize the individual reader, this program keeps the community of worshippers in mind, including the historical faith community that produced the writings and the community...