Apocalyptic Eschatology in the Gospel of Matthew (Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 1st edn, 3/21/1996
EAN 9780521553650, ISBN10: 0521553652
Hardcover, 302 pages, 21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm
Language: English
This 1996 study reconstructs the apocalyptic eschatology in Matthew's Gospel so that we may understand his time and concerns. Sociological analysis of apocalypticism in Judaism and early Christianity shows that such a comprehensive world view, which emphasized the final judgement and its aftermath within a dualistic and deterministic framework, was adopted by minority of sectarian groups undergoing a situation of great crisis. The Matthean community, after the first Jewish war against Rome, came into conflict with Judaism, gentiles and the larger Christian movement. Matthew's distinctive and often vengeful vision must be set against both his acute need to enhance his community's sense of itself and his pastoral concern. Dr Sim offers for the first time in English an extended and comprehensive comparison of Matthew's outlook with contemporary eschatological literature.
Part I. Apocalyptic Eschatology and Apocalypticism
1. The major characteristics of apocalyptic eschatology
2. The social setting of apocalypticism and the function of apocalyptic eschatology
Summary of Part I
Part II. Apocalyptic Eschatology in the Gospel of Matthew
3. Dualism and determinism in Matthew
4. Eschatological woes and the coming of the Son of Man
5. The judgement in Matthew
6. The fate of the wicked and the fate of the righteous in Matthew
7. The imminence of the end in Matthew
Summary of Part II
Part III. The Social Setting of the Matthean Community and the Function of Apocalyptic Eschatology in the Gospel of Matthew
8. The social setting of the Matthean community
9. The function of apocalyptic eschatology in the gospel of Matthew
Summary of Part III
Conclusions.