Gospel of Matthew

Introduction to Punctuation and Course Schedule

• Overview of Class Content

  • Importance of understanding how to use punctuation correctly.

  • The aim is to differentiate between questions, statements, and pauses in writing.

• Logistics

  • Informing students that next class will be the last of the course, meeting on Wednesday due to a conference in Boston.

• Prayers and Reflections

  • Thankful prayers for the class and insights from the Gospel of Matthew.

  • Request for courage and patience as the term ends.

Paper Submission Guidelines

• Checklist Overview

  • The checklist is crucial for ensuring correct paper format and content.

• Document Specifications

  • Submission must be in Microsoft Word format only.

  • Use Chicago Style for bibliographical and footnotes.

  • Not to use author-date citations (e.g., Fiorenza, 1980).

  • Follow the headings specified in the guidelines.

• Formatting Details

  • Pagination required.

  • Double space the document.

  • Avoid justified right margins and inconsistent font sizes.

• References

  • All citations must count as bibliographic items.

  • Using proper footnote formats according to Chicago style is essential.

  • Contractions are prohibited in the paper.

• Submission Email

  • Submit paper to designated email as an attachment.

Punctuation Marks in Greek and English

• Comparison of Punctuation

  • Question mark in Greek resembles a semicolon in English.

  • Punctuation effects on sentence meaning illustrated through examples (e.g., Robert Frost poem variations).

• Key Greek Punctuation Symbols

  • Question mark: dot with a comma.

  • Semicolon: dot in the center of the line.

Exam Preparation

• Exam Structure Overview

  • Three parts: Greek transliteration, identification of passages, critical observations.

  • Notes on the importance of understanding sources and criticisms with regard to Gospel texts.

• Final Exam Preparation

  • Key areas of emphasis for study include understanding vocabulary, critical theories, and wisdom literature in the Gospels.

The Gospel of Matthew - Wisdom Literature

• Wisdom in Matthew's Gospel

  • The figure of wisdom as a significant resource for understanding Jesus and the teachings.

  • Wisdom as embodied in the character of Jesus, impacting early Christian reflection.

• Proverbs and Wisdom Texts

  • Referencing Proverbs as an emblematic example of wisdom literature.

  • Insights from other wisdom texts (e.g., Ecclesiastes, Sirach) enhancing understanding of Jesus' character.

Key Themes and Teachings in Matthew's Gospel

• Structure of Matthew

  • Divided into distinct sections echoing the Pentateuch.

  • Mosaic Motif in Jesus' teachings: parallels between Jesus and Moses.

• Power and Authority of Jesus as Teacher

  • Jesus portrayed as the ultimate teacher, whose interpretations of the law are presented as fulfilling and intensifying Torah.

  • The differences between how various gospel authors depict Jesus and their teachings.

Narrative Time and Theology

• Time Structure in Matthew

  • The understanding of Kairos time and its incorporation within Matthew's narrative style.

• Anti-temple Setting

  • Critique of Jewish authority figures (scribes and Pharisees) prevalent throughout Matthew's Gospel.

  • The relationship between Jesus and the temple reflects a new understanding of divine presence.

The key features of Matthew's Gospel include its emphasis on Jesus as the embodiment of wisdom, drawing parallels with wisdom literature like Proverbs. The Gospel's structure is divided into distinct sections, echoing the Pentateuch, with a prominent Mosaic motif that highlights Jesus' teachings as fulfilling and intensifying the Torah. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate teacher, whose authority is often contrasted with Jewish authority figures such as scribes and Pharisees. Additionally, Matthew incorporates an understanding of Kairos time in its narrative and presents an anti-temple setting that reflects a new understanding of divine presence.