"A clear, well-written work exploiting sociological categories to delineate the social setting of the Gospel of Matthew. It illuminates that setting most effectively and is a valuable help toward outlining the 'sectarian' forces at work in that Gospel."

-W.D. Davies

"Overman has succeeded in locating the Matthean community in relationship to a specific form of Judaism developing alongside it. His reconstruction of the social history and sociological contours of the Matthean community is based on detailed analyses and convincing argument. Using the latest critical scholarship on formative Judaism, he has linked Matthew to this specific type of Judaism and thus advanced our knowledge of Matthew's social setting immeasurably."

-Anthony J. Saldarini

"This book is a harbinger of important studies to come. Applying the methods of the sociology of knowledge to the Gospel of Matthew, Overman sketches a picture of Matthew's community that strongly challenges much conventional wisdom. Adroitly marshaling his evidence, Overman contends that Matthew's community, though embroiled in fierce controversy with formative Judaism, nonetheless presents itself both as a sect within Judaism and as being at home not in Antioch of Syria but in Galilee. For all those interested in exploring afresh the nature and shape of Matthew's community, this book is must reading"

-Jack Dean Kingsbury