Why on earth use "Kingdom of Heaven"?: Matthew's terminology revisited

Many current Matthean scholars argue that Matthew employs the phrase "kingdom of heaven" as a circumlocution for the divine name. However, by analysing the author's rhetorical and sociological strategies one finds that "kingdom of heaven" combines with other "heavenly&q...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Foster, Robert L. 1970- (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Interlibrary Loan:Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany)
Published: 2002
In: New Testament studies
Year: 2002, Volume: 48, Issue: 4, Pages: 487-499
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Matthew / Kingdom of God (motif) / Terminology
IxTheo Classification:HC New Testament
NBQ Eschatology
Further subjects:B Heaven (motif)
B Matthew
B Kingdom of God (motif)
Description
Summary:Many current Matthean scholars argue that Matthew employs the phrase "kingdom of heaven" as a circumlocution for the divine name. However, by analysing the author's rhetorical and sociological strategies one finds that "kingdom of heaven" combines with other "heavenly" language (especially "Father in heaven") to reaffirm the reader's identity as the true people of God. This language defends Jesus as a Davidic messiah, showing that he came to establish a heavenly, not earthly, kingdom. Furthermore, the "heavenly" language reinforces the disciples' commitment to Jesus in the midst of persecution, reminding them that their identity, affirmation, and goal are in heaven.
Item Description:Aufsatz
ISSN:0028-6885
Contains:In: New Testament studies