Original Research - Special Collection: Mag in die Nuwe Testament

Gesag as diens: Die rol van die dissipels in die Matteusevangelie

Hermie C. van Zyl
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 68, No 1 | a1064 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v68i1.1064 | © 2012 Hermie C. van Zyl | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 15 April 2011 | Published: 22 February 2012

About the author(s)

Hermie C. van Zyl, University of the Free State, South Africa

Abstract

Authority as service: The role of the disciples in the Gospel according to Matthew. This article juxtaposes authority and service in the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly the article refers to the transfer of authority from Jesus to the disciples. Several relevant texts are discussed, including Matthew’s employment of proserchomai. Secondly the content of this authority is examined. The emphasis falls on the teaching authority of the disciples, especially to forgive sins. Thirdly the nature of authority is treated. It is not about lording it over people but to serve the believers in humility. In a last section all of the above is viewed against the backdrop of the first century Matthean community’s struggle to find its place within formative Judaism. The thesis is put forward that Matthew propounds a voluntary marginality, according to which the reader should take upon him- or herself the position of the poor.

Keywords

authority; Gospel of Matthew; service

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