I am grateful to Professor E. P. Sanders for initiating me into the complex world of Rabbinic thought and making me aware of the intricacies of relating this knowledge to the study of the New Testament. While following his research on the relationship between Paul and Palestinian Judaism, my interest in the application of this type of criticism to the Gospel of Matthew was kindled. After various general investigations, my research began to focus on the relationship between the Matthaean concept of righteousness and that of the Tannaitic literature and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

My exhaustive analysis of the righteousness terminology in the Tannaitic literature and the Dead Sea Scrolls led to the unmistakable conclusion that the concept of righteousness is not to be equated with the soteriological system inherent in this literature. For the overall view of the intrinsic soteriology of Palestinian Judaism, I am, however, indebted to the work of Professor Sanders. On the other hand, the distinction between righteousness and soteriology in the Gospel of Matthew is based entirely on my own research.

Under the supervision of Professor Sanders this study was submitted to McMaster University as a doctoral dissertation and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was granted in 1975.

The financial support provided by the Canada Council throughout my doctoral studies is deeply appreciated. I am particularly indebted for the grant which made it possible for me to engage in a year of research in Israel. At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem it was especially Professor D. Flusser who stimulated my thinking. Life in Israel presented numerous diversions which mitigated the painstaking work involved in word studies.