13. Forgiveness In Early Christian Tradition

Abstract

In this chapter, a step towards tA History of Early Christian Soteriologyt, exegesis of the relevant literary works is used to construct the first Christians beliefs how they hoped they would be saved. If one ask the question how forgiving early Christianity was, it is imperative to clarify the concepts early Christianity and forgiveness. The chapter refers to Christianity in the first two centuries by means of the term Early Christianity. It deals with the earliest documents of early Christianity. The words to forgive and forgiveness are used to interpret the Greek and meant in a strict theological way. Although in the synoptic tradition forgiveness is closely associated with Jesus, the way in which Mark, Matthew and Luke portray Jesus status and function are quite different. The gospel tradition, however, never abandons the theological premise, that forgiveness roots in the mercy of God the father, is illustrated clearly by Matthew.Keywords: early Christian tradition; forgiveness; gospel tradition; synoptic tradition