For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food

"Wilson offers solid, multifaceted research and analysis of access to food, which was particularly problematic for the majority of the people in the Roman Empire. In this illuminating context she presents a clear narrative interpretation of Matthew's concern that the hungry have food."

--Richard A. Horsley, University of Massachusetts



"Carol Wilson gives an exciting rereading of Matthew. The Gospel advocates for a society in which all people would have access to sufficient food. Matthew 19-20 says that in famines husbands must not divorce but feed their wives, and wealthy householders should hire people who want to work. Carol's well-supported exegesis will inform academics and pastors."

--David Balch, Graduate Theological Union



"Wilson's social-scientific study of food distribution in the cultures and communities in which the Gospel of Matthew was written provides important insight into the economic practices of the Roman Empire. With this study, she anchors in solid analysis of core biblical traditions the ethical passion of contemporary Christian communities in the fight against world hunger."

--Sharon H. Ringe, Wesley Theological Seminary