Equipping Insights

The Gospel of Matthew

Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
305 Pages
Reviewed on 07/22/2026
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

David L. Hoshour’s Equipping Insights: The Gospel of Matthew moves through Matthew chapter by chapter, beginning with Jesus’ genealogy and ending with the risen Christ sending His disciples to the nations. The author puts the NASB 1995 text before his commentary, then asks what each passage meant in first-century Jewish life and what it asks of Christians now. The study pauses over points that can disappear in familiar reading, including the likely youth of Jesus’ disciples. His discussion of John the Baptist explains how the wilderness itself required people to take a journey to hear him. The author also returns often to Matthew’s use of fulfilled prophecy, showing how the Gospel identifies Jesus across His ministry. Study questions end every chapter, giving readers a way to take each section into prayer after spending time with the biblical text.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am not a Christian and went into David L. Hoshour’s The Gospel of Matthew completely blind. Blind, but very curious, and without any outside understanding at all, I can honestly say this is an excellent Christian study. I learned so much that I feel like I can actually hold a conversation. I especially appreciated the handling of the bracketed verse in Matthew 18:11. The author uses that moment to explain manuscript copying in language anyone can follow. He then explains why disputed lines remain visible in modern Bibles. This is exactly where his teaching succeeds: a technical question becomes accessible, and scripture remains the source. The standout to me is the author's discussion of the Great Commission, which leads into How to Become a Disciple of Jesus, where readers are asked to answer the Gospel personally. Well written and thoroughly studied, Christian readers, as well as those who are simply Bible-curious, will find this a perfect fit. Very highly recommended.

Stewart Brian

Equipping Insights: The Gospel of Matthew by David L Hoshour is a well-written book that takes readers on a journey through the life and ministry of Jesus when he was on earth, as recorded in the first book of the New Testament, Matthew. David begins by summarizing Matthew's background, both as a tax collector for the Romans and his life-changing meeting with Jesus. This book discusses the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham and the impact of the women listed in this genealogy. It also includes the stories of the Magi, King Herod's attempt to kill Jesus, as well as other events that led to the birth of Jesus, down to his death and resurrection.

One thing about this book that stood out to me is how David brilliantly breaks down difficult biblical concepts and provides meaningful context for modern-day readers, as this will help them develop a passion for studying the Bible. This book, in addition to the positive lessons it contains, is a transformational tool and a reminder to me of the importance of Jesus' life for my salvation as a Christian. I really loved that the Bible quotations were organized and accurately cited with no alteration to the original meaning. I also loved the study questions at the end of each chapter, as they allowed me to reflect, and the section on the Crucifixion of Jesus was my favorite. The writing is detailed, well-organized, and easy to comprehend. Themes featured include salvation, Christian living, faith, and more. I recommend Equipping Insights: The Gospel of Matthew by David L Hoshour to all Christians and anyone who wants to know more about Jesus.

Divine Zape

If you think you know the book of Matthew, think again, because David Hoshour’s devotional commentary, Equipping Insights: The Gospel of Matthew, will surprise you with insights on nearly every page. It offers a chapter-by-chapter analysis that pairs the full biblical texts with pastoral warmth, cultural insight, and clever observations. It is written as a tool for meditation and the kind of slow reading that strengthens faith far more than mere devotional snippets. The book takes you on a journey from the Sermon on the Mount to the Great Commission, unpacking Jesus’ wisdom, miracles, and teachings from his discourses with the uncanny eye of a gifted storyteller while dismantling deeply held assumptions.

Equipping Insights provides clear commentary on each chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and brilliantly examines the cost of discipleship, repentance, compassion for sinners, and the faithfulness that defines the covenant with God. The end-of-chapter study questions are designed to engage you with the text; they not only make the book interactive but also provide a path to an encounter with Christ. David Hoshour argues that holiness is an inside-out work and that faith grows through time spent with God’s word. He describes Jesus as far more than popular Christianity portrays him, inviting readers to deepen their understanding of Jesus. New believers will find an accessible source of knowledge in this book; Christians will be challenged to question their assumptions about Jesus; and small groups will find the best tools for Bible study. The author writes in a conversational, story-driven style that makes his retelling of Matthew’s call alone worth the time.