Biblical and Theological Studies Faculty Publications

The Great Commission as the Climax of Matthew’s Mountain Scenes

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Journal Title

Bulletin for Biblical Research

ISSN

1065-223X

Volume

22

Issue

3

First Page

383

Last Page

398

Abstract

Many have attempted an explanation of the mountain setting of the Great Commission, but existing proposals fail to account for both the situation of the Matthean community and the use of mountain scenes in the Gospel. This article reads Matthew's Gospel in light of Jewish opposition to the community's proclamation of Jesus, an opposition that likely reasserted the preeminence of Moses' authority and teaching. The mountain of the Great Commission serves as the culmination of the convergence of the Son of God and Moses themes throughout the Gospel in which Matthew argues that Jesus, Son of God is the only one to whom the community owes worship and obedience.

Keywords

Matthew, Christology, Great Commission, Son of God, Moses, mountain, Sinai

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