Dr. David R. Bauer, Dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation and Ralph Waldo Beeson Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies, released The Gospel of the Son of God: An Introduction to Matthew in November 2019. His book studies the framework of Matthew with an inductive approach that provides a literary, theological and canonical focus.

“I wanted to write a full-scale introduction to Matthew’s Gospel that would be directed primarily to seminary students and informed pastors, but would also make a contribution to ongoing scholarship in the Gospel of Matthew,” Bauer said. “No such book has appeared since 1989.  This volume seeks to be holistic in that it moves progressively from a discussion of background issues, such as authorship, date, and literary structure, to a passage-by-passage exposition, culminating in an examination of the Gospel’s theology.  From beginning to end I have tried to treat the Gospel of Matthew above all as the Church’s Scripture.”

The Gospel of the Son of God is divided into the sections of orientation, interpretation and reflection. He explores genre, interpretive methods, authorship and literary structure before guiding readers through passages of the text. The reflection section highlights major themes that emerge, such as Christology, salvation history, eschatology and discipleship. His book is published by IVP Academic and is available on Amazon.com.

Bauer has served on Asbury Theological Seminary’s faculty since 1984. He has been the recipient of the American Bible Society Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies, Asbury Seminary’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the Spring Arbor University Alumni Association Award of Professional Excellence.

Bauer is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church of North America and a member of the Study Commission on Doctrine for the Free Methodist Church of North America. He serves in the Wilmore Free Methodist Church as director of seminary ministries and is the facilitator of the Free Methodist Fellowship on Asbury Seminary’s campus. He is also a frequent speaker, preacher and teacher at camps and local churches and is involved in organizations offering education and support to families who adopt international children, especially international special-needs children.

In addition, he has written several articles and published numerous books, including Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Hermeneutics (2011); and Essential Bible Study Tools for Ministry (2014).