Abstract

Besides the strenuous relation of Matthew’s community with non-Christian kinfolk, his text also reveals an underlying conflict with Roman Imperial ideology. Herod, Antipas and Pilate specifically impersonate this foreign domination. Apparently these figures have unlimited power which leaves Jesus and his followers as exposed victims. Yet, on the deeper level of the text, Jesus ironically emerges as victor. He represents the Kingdom of God and ironically counters their unfair rule with his authority.

Highlights

  • Matthew’s text reveals an underlying conflict and struggle for authority (Stanton 1993:26)

  • Basic to the Roman imperial theology was the claim that Rome ruled its empire because the gods have willed Rome to rule the world

  • I firstly attend to the authorial audience of the Gospel arguing that the conventionally defined audience is too limited and should include followers of Jesus who are experiencing Roman rule

Read more

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Matthew’s text reveals an underlying conflict and struggle for authority (Stanton 1993:26). Carter (2000:4) argues that Matthew presents a counter narrative against the Roman Imperial powers. Power and authority in Matthew’s gospel manifesting the gods’ rule, presence, will and blessings in the Empire (Carter 2001:34). The listener somehow has to be able to decipher that technique to grasp the intention of the story This principle obviously is applicable to reading the Biblical text. Matthew introduces three imperial figures with titles and attributes of huge authority and power. I firstly attend to the authorial audience of the Gospel arguing that the conventionally defined audience is too limited and should include followers of Jesus who are experiencing Roman rule. I indicate how Matthew’s narrative mirrors his community’s experience of the Roman imperial power

MATTHEW’S AUTHORIAL AUDIENCE
HEROD THE KING AND JESUS THE NEW BORN KING
HEROD THE TETRARCH AND JOHN THE BAPTIST
PILATE THE GOVERNOR AND JESUS THE ACCUSED
CONCLUSION
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.