The Gospel of Matthew: Commentary, Notes and Study Questions (The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 86 pages
• Published by: Ignatius Press
• Edition: 2nd Edition October 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0898708176
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0898708172
• Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 5.6 ounces

Reader Reviews
For the past year or so, I have been searching for a good Catholic Bible study series. The "Ignatius Catholic Study Bible" by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch is the best that I have found. The series contains lots of great information, but does not get bogged down with excessively long footnotes or essays. It is faithful to Catholic teaching, and it includes many references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I found it to be a great guide for someone who is just beginning to study the Bible, and who wants a reliable and trustworthy guide. The format of the series is as follows: Each volume begins by explaining what the Catholic Church teaches about the Bible -- including the divinely inspired and inerrant nature of the Bible, the four senses of Scripture, and guidelines for Biblical interpretation. Following this general introduction is a brief introduction to the particular book of the Bible (e.g., the Gospel of Matthew). Next comes the actual text, with the Biblical text at the top of each page, study notes at the bottom, and a list of scriptural cross-references sandwiched in the middle. On average, each page consists of roughly half Biblical text and half study notes. In addition there are occasional one-page essays (e.g., "Who Are the Pharisees?"), occasional one-paragraph word studies, and a few relevant maps scattered throughout the volume. Each volume closes with several pages of study questions. The biggest disadvantage of this series is that it is still a work in progress. As of June 2002, there are only three volumes -- Matthew, Mark, and Luke. (Update, October 2004: Since I wrote this review, the series has expanded, and now includes Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts of the Apostles, Romans, and 1 & 2 Corinthians.)