In the midst of the process of research and writing, one increasingly appreciates the privilege of higher education, the value of a learning community and the efforts of those people who make contributions to one's growth and development. During the preparation of my doctoral dissertation, which was submitted to the University of Cambridge in January of 1999 and forms the basis of this book, there were several people to whom I would like to express my gratitude for graciously giving of their valuable time and resources, offering encouragement along the way. Dr Gordon Fee first suggested the topic of study while I was still at Regent College. Professors Morna Hooker and William Horbury offered patient and invaluable instruction. Dr Markus Bockmuehl kindly read numerous papers related to my topic. I also want to thank Professors Graham Stanton, Peter Stuhlmacher, Ulrich Luz and Donald Hagner for their rigorous discussion and hospitality. To my wise and careful supervisor, Dr Ivor H. Jones, I am especially indebted. His breadth of learning, painstaking attention to detail and engaging discussion made our forays into Matthean studies both challenging and enjoyable. Finally, I am grateful to the editor of this series, Professor Richard Bauckham, for including this volume and for his insightful comments on the manuscript.

Thanks also go to the staff and fellows of Selwyn College and to the staff and frequenters of Tyndale House. Additionally, to Markus and Celia Bockmuehl, Bruce Longenecker and Mike Thompson; the evenings together, peripatetic cultural excursions, and the like somehow made the Kingdom of God more tangible in Cambridge. Financial assistance was given by the Bethune-Baker and Hort Memorial funds and Selwyn College. The generous support of the Wabash Center and the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung have allowed for the completion of the manuscript.