Endorsements

These endorsements were written in response to a group of publications, including this one.

Derek Morphew has the ability to bring important academic ideas to people at all levels of training and experience, and he lives the message of the Kingdom of God that he has so faithfully taught all around the world. I have seen him minister with an authority that reminds me of his friend, John Wimber. In Derek we have a brilliant teacher, a compassionate pastor, and a voice for the oppressed.

Dr Peter Fitch
Dean of Ministry Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Canada

An understanding of Jesus’ present and coming Kingdom (“inaugurated eschatology”) is crucial for faithful mission today. It provides the theology for us to expect both God’s power and well as suffering. It explains why we have strength through weakness and life through death. In both his writings and teaching Derek communicates a rare breadth and depth about the kingdom. This message deserves a wide audience.

Dr Rick Williams
Associate National Director, Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland

Derek’s teaching on the kingdom of God has been clear, biblical and ground-breaking in its depth. You will be inspired both by his publications on kingdom theology and challenged by his disciplined mind. I know of no person in the Vineyard I could more whole-heatedly endorse no who has a better grasp of the message of the kingdom.

Berten A. Waggoner, MDiv
National Director, Vineyard USA

The Future King is Here is a study of the Gospel of Matthew viewed through the lens of kingdom theology. It examines how Matthew has reflected the mission and message of Jesus on the coming of the Messianic era. It first discovers the careful literary structure of Matthew and then explores how Jesus is portrayed, how he announced, demonstrated and taught on the kingdom and then acted as God’s Suffering Servant and Son of Man through his death and resurrection. It also covers Matthew’s approach to community and discipleship.

Table Of Contents

PREFACE

THREE ERAS IN GOSPEL STUDIES

THE LITERARY STRUCTURE OF MATTHEW
The ending formula
Like John
The beginning formula
Geographical progression
An integrated structure

MATTHEW’S PRIMARY THEME

MATTHEW’S JESUS
Son of David
The Royal Genealogy
The Christ (Messiah)
Son of God
Lord
Enacted, Inaugurated Eschatology
Son of Man and Suffering Servant
The Suffering Servant
Jesus as Israel
Who then is Jesus?
Matthew’s climax

COMMUNITY
The community of Israel
The community of disciples
The community of the church

THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

AUTHORSHIP
Recent theories
The tradition of the early church
Theories of evolving authorship
Arguments against Matthew
Some clues that suggest Matthew’s authorship
Conclusion

DATE
The later date
The earlier date
Conclusion

PLACE AND CONTEXT
Place
Matthew’s intended audience
For teaching

BIBLIOGRAPHY