Abstract
This article contributes to the discourse on the characterisation of Jesus in the Matthean Gospel. Characterisation can happen in several ways, for example by letting the characters themselves act and speak, or by letting other characters talk about them or react towards them. It can also be done by a narrator who tells the reader about a character. The kind of character depends on the traits or personal qualities of that character and how that character performs in specific circumstances. Along with God himself, Jesus forms the principal character in the first gospel. His teachings and actions form the focus of attention, and the actions of other characters are directed at him. This article focusses on one aspect of characterisation, namely on how the Holy Spirit acts in support of Jesus. The evangelist utilises the actions of the Holy Spirit as a narrative strategy to gradually express the significant status of Jesus as main character.
Highlights
Reading gospels as narratives1 mainly involves two aspects: The one is to study the content of the narrative, in other words, what is told – the ‘story’
The evangelist narrates four scenes where the Holy Spirit interacts with Jesus, supporting him as the main character in the gospel
The Holy Spirit acts as a reliable character witness
Summary
Reading gospels as narratives mainly involves two aspects: The one is to study the content of the narrative, in other words, what is told – the ‘story’. The involvement of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’s ‘genesis’, reveals the unique character of Jesus. The words of God, Ἰδοὺ ὁ παῖς μου ὃν ᾑρέτισα, ὁ ἀγαπητός μου ὃν εὐδόκησεν [Behold, here is my Son whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom my soul delights] underscore Jesus’s status These words resemble the divine words after his baptism: οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν ᾧ εὐδόκησα [this is my Son whom I love, in whom I delight] (Mt 3:17), on the occasion of Jesus being endowed with the Spirit, and at his transfiguration, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν ᾧ εὐδόκησα· ἀκούετε αὐτοῦ [this is my Son whom I love, in whom I delight. He does this as one who is filled with God’s merciful and sanctifying Spirit
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: 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.
