This study marks a significant stage in a long-held interest in the eschatology of the synoptic gospels and their sources. My interest in Matthew's eschatology was sparked by a Master's thesis on the eschatology of Q when, in the course of reconstructing the text of this hypothetical source, I was struck by Matthew's constant insertion of apocalyptic-eschatological themes. I was then of the opinion that this phenomenon had never been adequately explored or explained, and I decided that my doctoral research would be devoted to this important and neglected subject. The present study is a revised version of my doctoral thesis which was undertaken at King's College London and submitted in October 1992. There are many people who have contributed to the production of this book in its various stages and to whom I wish to give due acknowledgement.

My first debt of thanks is to my supervisor, Professor Graham Stanton of King's College London, who nurtured the thesis in its early stages and saw it through to its completion. While I was in London, Graham was unstinting in his support and always made himself available, even at very short notice, to discuss ideas and drafts. His support continued after I returned to Melbourne in February 1990 to take up a position at La Trobe University. Whether he was responding to queries by letter or on the telephone, Graham's enthusiasm and encouragement provided the guidance and inspiration which enabled me to complete the thesis ‘long-distance’ while coping with a full-time teaching load.