The Rich in the Bible: Socio-Economic Reading of Matthew is a ground breaking research into the concept of the rich in the Bible, especially in the New Testament. The book primarily grapples with the issue of the rich in the Gospel according to Matthew, and brings out Jesus’ message for the rich – a message that addresses squarely the problem of disparity between the few rich and majority poor in the community. The book has significance in today’s global socio-economic context where accumulation of wealth by the rich has greatly affected the life of the less privileged majority in the society at the local, national and global levels. The book answers a very practical question – how to be rich in a world where majority are poor? It is a must-read book for laity, theological students, and teachers alike.

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgement
Preface
Abbreviations

General Introduction

1. The Rationale
2. The Bounds
3. Review of Recent Literature
4. Methods Employed
5. Division of Chapters

Chapter 1: The Socio-Historical and Economic Context of Matthew

1. Introduction
2. Considering Preliminary Questions
3. The Social Situation of Matthew’s Community
4. The Socio-Economic Status of Matthew’s Community
5. Summary

Chapter 2: Concept of the Rich in the Old Testament, Intertestamental Writings, and Pauline

1. Introduction
2. The Rich in the Old Testament
3. The Rich in the Intertestamental Writings
4. The Rich in Pauline
5. Conclusion

Chapter 3: Socio-Economic Reading of the Selected Texts

1. Introduction
2. The Structure of the Gospel
3. Exegetical Study on the Selected Texts from the Triple Tradition
4. Exegetical Study on the Selected Texts from the Double Tradition
5. Summary

Chapter 4: Findings and Implications

1. Introduction
2. Findings
3. Implications
4. Conclusion

General Conclusion
Bibliography