Matthew's version of the Good News is traditionally symbolized by a winged man, because the author saw Jesus as fulfilling two roles. On the one hand, he is the Divine One who proclaims that the Realm of Heaven is present in the here and now-and on the other hand, he is the Human One, who shares our physical reality. In Matthew's account, Jesus, like a winged man, represents the union of human and Divine qualities.

This first volume of the Celtic Bible Commentary brings these ideas to life. It includes:

• a new modern translation of the Gospel of Matthew.
• chapter-by-chapter commentaries, based on insights from ancient and modern Celtic theologians.
• an introductory article on a Celtic approach to reading the Bible.
• information about the Bible's history in Celtic lands.
• a glossary of Celtic names and terms.
• a recommended reading list.

When the Celtic followers of Jesus read Matthew's Gospel, they did not see it as dead text codified in ancient times but rather as a chance to interlace their own hearts with the living story of Jesus. For them, this portion of scripture was truly a winged man who brought good news from heaven to earth.