Remnant and restoration as a paradigm of Matthew's theology of Israel

Abstract

This dissertation shows that Matthew's theology of Israel is based upon the conviction that God will restore the nation of Israel through the preservation of a faithful remnant. Chapter 1 states the purpose for this study, identifies the problem it addresses, and explains the method of research it follows. Chapter 2 surveys the history of research in Matthean studies. The first half of this chapter surveys a wide spectrum of opinions about the historical setting of Matthew's Gospel, while the second half examines major views on the theological relationship of Israel and the church.

Chapter 3 examines the theological function of Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1:1-17. This chapter shows that the genealogy provides Matthew's reader with a hermeneutical grid through which events in the life of Jesus and his mission to Israel are to be interpreted.

Chapter 4 examines remnant and restoration themes in Matthew's presentation of Jesus as the Messiah-King of Israel (1:18-4:17). Matthew confirms events from Jesus' early life with fulfillment citations that function on both a narrative and theological level to authenticate Jesus' messianic identity and his mission to Israel. This chapter focuses upon each of these citations and shows that Matthew presents Jesus as the Davidic Messiah sent by God to inaugurate the nation's eschatological restoration.

Chapter 5 examines remnant and restoration themes in Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom (4:18-25:46). In this section, discussion is limited to five important passages: Matt 8:5-13; 10:5-8; 13:1-23; 21:33-46; 24:29-31. These passages contain clear allusions to OT texts that share the theme of Israel's judgment and eschatological restoration.

Chapter 6 examines remnant and restoration themes in the passion narrative. This discussion focuses on Matthew's account of the Last Supper and Jesus' announcement that he will go ahead of his disciples to Galilee after his resurrection (26:26-32). These events combine to form a complex of ideas that anticipate the eschatological restoration of Israel.

Chapter 7 provides a synthesis of this study. Data gathered from the previous four chapters is integrated to show that Matthew's theology of Israel is best defined by a paradigm of remnant and restoration.