This commentary was composed by Cornelius a Lapide (1567 - 1637) in 17th-century during the counter-reformation period. It is considered one of the most important commentaries ever produced by a Belgium, Catholic theologian. The commentary draws heavily from the early church fathers, including the Venerable Bede, Cyril of Alexandria, St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine, Tertullian, St. Jerome and Origen. This first volume covers the first four chapters of St. Matthew's Gospel. The source text for this work is "The great commentary of Cornelius a Lapide: St. Matthew's Gospel," London: John Hodges, 1893 (v.1); by Cornelius a Lapide, translated by Thomas W. Mossman (1826-1885). This work includes illustrations both of the early church fathers that Lapide uses and the Gospel events covered in the text.