Files
Abstract
This study investigates the synchronic usage of passages from the Old Testament--both direct quotations and implied "echoes"--as they occur in chapter 24 of Matthew's Gospel. The goal of the project is not necessarily to attempt to discern the writer's intent by including an eschatological discourse in this gospel, but to understand how the writer's selection and use of biblical passages reflect his understanding and interpretation of Scripture, and the implications of Matthew's interpretation for his faith, community practice, and worldview. Hence, this study examines passages of Isaiah and Daniel found in Matthew 24 in light of: 1) Jewish apocalyptic as understood by Matthew and Jewish communities in the time of Matthew's writing; 2) backgrounds to early Christianity as found in the writings of Josephus and Eusebius; 3) the meanings of the passages in question as understood by the Matthean community.