By arguing that Matthew's Gospel can be read as a «homecoming story» according to the ancient formula of the «Banished and Returning Prince,» Robert Beck offers a fresh and provocative reinterpretation of the Gospel. He exploits this understanding of the narrative to disclose new elements within the plot, to identify a fresh resolution to conflict development within the tale, and to arrive at an unprecedented explanation of the place of violence and nonviolence within Matthew's text....