Matthew’s sitz im Leben and the emphasis on the Torah
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Date
2012
Authors
Viljoen, F. P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
The role of the Torah is the subject of a full scale discussion in the first Gospel. This
article investigates the socio-historical setting that produced this text with such
an emphasis on Torah observance. To address these issues, the Matthean text is
read to discover issues that were prevalent in the community where the text was
produced and read. This is followed by an investigation into developments in the
broader Jewish society in the second half of the first century C.E. It becomes clear
that the Jewish society was fragmented, and this led to an urge to consolidate.
During these developments the Torah was used by newly formed communities to
define their norms of existence. In the first Gospel the author defines their position
terms of specific Torah observance. While countering some form of Christian
libertinism and allegations against the Torah observance of his community, he
assures his community of their convictions
Description
Keywords
Matthean community, Sitz im Leben, Sermon on the Mount, Judaism
Citation
Viljoen, F. P. (2012). Matthew’s sitz im Leben and the emphasis on the Torah. Acta Theologica, 32(2), 254-276.