J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) was one of the most prominent evangelical ministers of his day in the Church of England, serving churches in East Anglia before being appointed as the first Bishop of Liverpool in 1880. Ryle's writings have a simple, direct style and have remained deservedly popular. His Expository thoughts on Matthew appeared in 1856 (followed by works on the other Gospels in the following years). It is not a detailed commentary but is full of warm and challenging observations, designed for reading aloud and as an aid for personal devotions. This shortened and updated version will help a wider modern readership to benefit from Ryle's writing.