By What Authority?: The Literary Function and Impact of Conflict Stories in the Gospel of Matthew

Hostile encounters between Jesus and Jewish leaders are found throughout the Gospel of Matthew. Yet these encounters are rarely explored holistically, nor is attention given to the reason for their prominence in the Matthean text. In By What Authority?, Dr Rebecca Ye-Atkinson examines seventeen distinct moments of conflict in the first gospel, exploring the function of each narrative in light of Matthew’s overarching literary and theological purposes.

An excellent resource for scholars, this in-depth textual analysis is also accessible and engaging for any reader interested in deepening their understanding of Matthew’s gospel and its message.