Vergifnis en versoening in die evangelie volgens Matteus

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The goal of this study is to analyse the motifs of reconciliation and forgiveness in theGospel of Matthew from a socio-rhetorical perspective.The first two chapters expound the chosen methodology, define its aim and identifiesrelevant pericopes using a heuristic definition of each motif. The third chapter givesan overview of Matthew's inner texture. The next seven chapters interpret the inner,inter- and argumentative textures of the different pericopes by utilizing the recoursesof classical and modem rhetoric, anthropology and sociology.The concluding chapter focuses on Matthew's social and cultural texture in an effortto systemize his interpretation of Jesus' teaching of forgiveness and reconciliation.The realities of internal conflict, Roman oppression and a growing, if not yetpermanent, separation from Formative Judaism are all taken into account. It isproposed that reconciliation with the Romans and Jews was not seen as a desirablestrategy by Matthew, whereas it was non-negotiable for the relationship betweenmembers of his church.The concluding chapter also reads Matthew as a narrative In order to provide ananswer to the question if it possesses an unified theology of forgiveness andreconciliation. Consideration is therefore given to the occurrence of key peri copes inregard to the development of the Gospel's narrative. It concludes that thedishonourable nature of being crucified in the Jewish and Greco-Roman worldcompelled Matthew to redefine Jesus' death as a honourable one, before he could linkit with God's atonement of sinners. The relative importance of both motives is alsoconfirmed by their inner textual placing in Matthew instead of by the frequency withwhich they occur. A reviewed definition of both motifs, and their relevance for thecontemporary church, is given at the end of the last chapter.This study proposes that whereas forgiveness was seen as dishonourable in the firstcentury Mediterranean world, Jesus not only mediated God' forgiveness in words (e.g.6: 12-15) and deeds (9: 1-8), but also realized it through His death for many (20:28 and26:28). For Matthew Jesus is the ultimate broker of God's forgiveness while deeds of forgiveness by followers of Jesus are seen as the honourable imitation of God action,as the ultimate benefactor, in forgiving His clients their sins.While Matthew gives a partial indication of the process by which forgiveness andreconciliation should be pursued in the everyday life of the church (e.g. in 5:23-24and 18:15-20), he refrains from giving an exhaustive outline. The following canhowever can be deduced. Grace received, as a gift, demands reciprocal deeds ofgrace. Those who have experienced, or who seek, God's grace are thus under anobligation to forgive others (6:12, 14-15). Within the first century milieu of Matthewforgiveness and reconciliation was not an internal private affair, but a communal one.It is clear that according to Matthew not al people are automatically forgiven and thusreconciled with God. God's judgement remains a reality for those who opposed Hiswill (21 :33-45; 25:31-46) and who blaspheme the Holy Spirit by continuouslyopposing His saving work through Jesus (12:31-32).

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University