"Matthew's distinctive use of the term 'kingdom of heaven' is usually treated as an insignificant variant of 'kingdom of God.' Pennington's persuasive argument shows, however, that it is integral to Matthew's theology and serves a distinctive theological purpose. This book makes an important contribution to our appreciation of the theology of Matthew's Gospel."-- Richard Bauckham , emeritus professor of New Testament studies, University of St. Andrews, Scotland "When I began to read this book, I was sure that the main thesis was wrong. When I finished, I was sure it was right. This is a significant contribution that corrects much we have mistakenly taken for granted."-- Dale C.

Allison Jr. , Errett M. Grable Professor of New Testament Exegesis and Early Christianity, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary "This book is a refreshingly well-written compendium of research that is both comprehensive and convincing. Pennington has articulated a more careful understanding of a pervasive theme in the first Gospel that must be accounted for in subsequent scholarship."-- Daniel M. Gurtner , assistant professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary "This clear and compelling study sheds fresh light on familiar but inadequately understood expressions dominant in Matthew's Gospel. Specialists will appreciate Pennington's thoroughness, logical rigor, and independence of judgment. Pastors and advanced students will benefit from his practical findings.

This is a model of creative investigation into Matthew's theological convictions and literary strategy."-- Robert W. Yarbrough , professor of New Testament and department chair, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School "Pennington's work on heaven and earth in Matthew enriches readers at several levels. He challenges long-standing exegetical assumptions, showing that they lack a credible foundation. He offers a deft and insightful interpretation of the terms heaven and earth in Matthew and fruitfully explores the theological import of the terms. We stand in debt to Pennington for this significant and creative study."-- Thomas R. Schreiner , James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.