S. Matthew’s Gospel—Chaps. 1 to 9 (The Great Commentary of Cornelius à Lapide, Volume 1)
Overview
Considered one of the most important Catholic theologians and Bible commentators, Cornelius à Lapide’s writings on the Bible have remained critical to the Catholic Church for centuries. Although à Lapide’s commentaries were written from the Catholic perspective, Christians of all denominations worldwide have benefited from his sound exegesis and the wide-breadth of learning his works provide. Brimming with spiritual devotion and scholarly acumen, à Lapide’s commentaries weave together his profound insights into the biblical texts alongside commentary from many Church Fathers, including the Venerable Bede, Cyril of Alexandria, St. Augustine, Tertullian, St. Jerome, Origen, and more.
Volume 1 of The Great Commentary of Cornelius à Lapide provides verse-by-verse commentary on the Gospel According to Matthew, chapters 1–9.
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- Key work by Cornelius à Lapide with assistance from various scholars
- Verse-by-verse commentary enhanced with writings from the Early Church Fathers
Top Highlights
“You ask why does Christ call His Apostles the salt of the earth rather than the gold, or silver, or precious stones? I answer, because salt is a thing universally necessary and useful.” (Page 207)
“Symbolically, in this marriage and family union of Joseph with Mary there was an image of the Sacred Trinity. For Joseph represented the Eternal Father, the Blessed Virgin the Holy Ghost, both because she was most holy, and because she had conceived by the Holy Spirit. Christ represented Himself, even the Son of God.” (Page 27)
“In fine, the devils tremble at beholding the Book of the Gospels; and S. Chrysostom says, they dare not enter the place in which it is kept.” (Page viii)
“as Adam was the father of the mortal life of all men, so is Christ the Father of the immortal life of the faithful,” (Page 1)
“‘He who came for the abolishing and putting away of sins wished to be born of sinners.’” (Page 5)
His method makes his commentary not only a valuable work for proficient students of Holy Scriptures, but it further brings the study of the sacred writings within the reach of all educated minds, and at the same time provides a delightful fund of sacred instruction and devotional reading. Cornelius à Lapide loses none of its charms in the clear, pure, vigorous English of its present translation; indeed, we confess that it seems to borrow a new beauty and allurement from its English dress.
—The Month
We set a high store on this commentary. There is about it a clearness of thought, a many-sided method of looking at truth, an insight into the deeper meaning, and a fearless devotion to what appears to him to be truth, which lend a peculiar charm to all that he writes. We heartily commend the work to our ministerial readers.
—Literary World
It is one of the most learned and richest commentaries that have ever been written. They are a storehouse for the preacher and a valuable aid to the devout lovers of the Word of God among the laity.
—Catholic World
A very mine of research and exegetical learning of the rarest kind.
—Standard
It is one of those few ‘books which are books,’ an unfailing magazine of instruction and devotion of the profoundest views of the Holy Scripture and theology in general, and one of the most valuable and important recently issued from the press.
—Church Review
The varied and solid learning, the intense theological acumen, combined with verbal exegesis of the most comprehensive and practical character, and last, and by no means least, the deep and spiritual insight into the more remote and hidden sense of the Gospel narrative are here displayed in thoroughly idiomatic English, which reads like an original composition rather that a translation.
—The Pilot
To say one word in recommendation of the great work of a Lapide is superfluous, but it is our simple duty to call attention to the great work now being done by Mr. Mossman for English readers.
—Literary Churchman
The commentary is learned, intelligent, and full.
—The Expositor
Mr. Mossman has done his part well, as an able and sympathetic scholar might be expected to do; and the books, both in execution and translation, its worthy of its author.
—Saturday Review
- Title: The Great Commentary of Cornelius à Lapide, vol. 1
- Author: Cornelius à Lapide
- Translator: Thomas W. Mossman
- Publisher: John Hodges
- Publication Date: 1887
- Pages: 379
Cornelius à Lapide (1567–1637) was born at Bocholt in Limburg, Belgium. Educated in philosophy and theology at the University of Douai and the Catholic University of Leuven, Lapide was ordained in 1595. Lapide was a professor of philosophy, Hebrew, and theology for over 20 years before dedicating himself full time to writing and editing his celebrated commentaries.