The Obedient Son: Deuteronomy and Christology in the Gospel of Matthew

Description

It has often been observed that Jesus’ filial obedience is an important Matthean theme. In this work the author argues that the articulation of Jesus as Son of God in Matthew is significantly influenced by the Deuteronomic concept of obedient sonship. After noting the complexities of Matthew’s use of Scripture – including the subtle ways he engages texts – Deuteronomy’s pervasive influence in ancient Judaism and Christianity is considered. It is argued that the requirement of Israel’s covenantal obedience as God’s son(s) is a major concern in Deuteronomy, as well as in other Jewish and Christian texts that appear to echo Deuteronomy. Indeed, it is argued that a pattern can be detected in which the sonship of Israel is invoked either to summon Israel to obedience, or to rebuke the nation for disobedience. The author concludes that the necessity of Israel’s obedient sonship is an important part of Matthew’s interpretive milieu that derives ultimately from Deuteronomy, and our understanding of Matthean Christology is greatly enhanced when viewed in this context. This study may further help us understand why Matthew’s concern with obedient sonship applies not only to Jesus uniquely, but also to the early Christian community. Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction Chapter One: Methodology and Approach 1.1 Matthew and the Old Testament 1.2 Understanding the Old Testament in Matthew 1.3 Limitations and Focus 1.4 Summary Chapter Two: The Circulation and Use of Deuteronomy in Ancient Judaism and Christianity 2.1 Text of Deuteronomy 2.2 Use of Deuteronomy: Jewish Literature 2.3 Use of Deuteronomy: Christian Literature 2.4 Summary and Conclusions Chapter Three: Sonship and Obedience in Deuteronomy 3.1 The Importance of Deuteronomy 3.2 Exegesis of Deuteronomy 3.3 Filial Themes 3.4 Summary and Conclusions Chapter Four: Sonship and Obedience in Ancient Jewish and Christian Literature 4.1 Sonship and Obedience: Old Testament 4.2 Sonship and Obedience: Later Jewish Literature 4.3 Sonship and Obedience: Early Christian Literature 4.4 Summary and Conclusions Chapter Five: Deuteronomic Sonship in Matthew, Part 1: Strong and Likely Allusions 5.1 Strong Allusion(s): Matthew 4:1-11 5.2 Likely Allusions 5.3 Summary Chapter Six: Deuteronomic Sonship in Matthew, Part 2: Significant Possibilities (Matthew 3, 17) 6.1 Matthew 3.15-17 6.2 Matthew 17.1-21 6.3 Summary: Matthew 3, 17 Chapter Seven: Deuteronomic Sonship in Matthew, Part 3: Possible Allusions 7.1 Matthew 1.20 7.2 Matthew 12.46-50 7.3 Matthew 21.28-22.14 7.4 Comprehensive Summary and Conclusions Chapter Eight: Conclusions 8.1 Summary and Implications: Chapters 1-4 8.2 Summary and Implications: Chapters 5-7 8.3 Suggestions for Further Study 8.4 Concluding Synthesis Bibliography Index of Biblical and Ancient References Index of Modern Authors