Matthew has been described as an ''inclusive story'', in which the experiences of the evangelist''s post-Easter church are inscribed in the story of Jesus''s earthly ministry. This book explores the inclusive nature of the Gospel by means of reader-response literary criticism. Some recent redaction studies of Matthew are reviewed from the perspective of reader-response criticism. Then, in an attempt to understand the interpretative moves readers make, Matthew''s story, story-teller and audience are examined.

Matthew has been described as an ''inclusive story'', in which the experiences of the evangelist''s post-Easter church are inscribed in the story of Jesus''s earthly ministry. This book explores the inclusive nature of the Gospel by means of reader-response literary criticism. Some recent redaction studies of Matthew are reviewed from the perspective of reader-response criticism. Then, in an attempt to understand the interpretative moves readers make, Matthew''s story, story-teller and audience are examined.