The Matthean community according to the beginning of his Gospel
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Date
2006
Authors
Viljoen, F. P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
English: The social setting of the Gospel according to Matthew remains a much debated issue.
The theory of a gentile setting with historical roots within Judaism was met with much
opposition in recent times. The expression “the parting of the ways” as introduced
by Dunn and popularised by Stanton effectively marks this discussion. However, the
relation between the Christian community of Matthew and Judaism remains a much
debated issue. Some studies have argued that the Matthean community was sectarian
in nature, being in conflict with a larger Jewish social context. From the Gospel it
is clear that there was a struggle between the Matthean community and local Jewish
communities and leaders. This indicates a distance between a Jewish background and a
gentile presence within the community. Matthew views the new People of God as
distinct from the nation which rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Within the discussion
with regard to the Matthean community, the great commission (Matt. 28:18-20) is
often seen as the key to understanding the whole book and particularly the community.
However, the importance of the beginning of the Gospel is often neglected in this
discussion. In this article I attempt to show the importance of the opening narrative
in defining this community.
Description
Keywords
Matthean community, Gospel as narrative, Jewish and Christian, controversy stories, Gospel beginning, Jewish-Christian
Citation
Viljoen, F. P. (2006). The Matthean community according to the beginning of his Gospel. Acta Theologica, 26(2), 242-262.