Aspects of the Remnant Concept in the Gospel of Matthew

Only some aspects of the remnant concept in the christology and ecclesiology of Matthew are dealt with in this dissertation. Special attention is given to the evangelist's distinctive interpretation of Jesus as the remnant and the conceptual structures (e.g., μαθητἠς, ὲκκλησἰα, μικροἰ, πτωχοἰ, ὲκλεκτοἰ, ὸλἰγοι, and others) that cohere with the remnant concept. A brief survey of the recent debate on the ecclesiology of Matthew and a statement on the purpose, scope, method, and plan of the dissertation are set forth in the Introduction. The need for a careful analysis which would necessitate a much more inclusive review of the complex Traditionsgeschichte of ancient Israelite and primitive Christian self-understanding is stressed. Chapter 1 examines the remnant concept in the OT prophets and select literature of Late Judaism. Chapter 2 investigates the remnant concept in theway Matthew introduces Jesus as the Son of David (legitimate King), the Son of Abraham (true Israelite), and the Prophet like Moses (new Lawgiver). Chapter 3 treats the remnant concept in the Baptist's message of judgment and repentance. Chapter 4 examines the remnant concept in the baptism and temptation of Jesus. Chapters 5-7 deal with the nature of the remnant concept in the ecclesiology of the gospel. Chapter 5 treats the remnant concept in Jesus' call ofdisciples. Chapter 6 discusses the concept as related to the Sermon on the Mount. Chapter 7 examines the concept in four other teachings of Jesus: the poor, the little ones and the sheep, the reproof of an erring brother, and the covenant at the Last Supper. Aware of the difficulties and pitfalls of reducing the remnant concept in Matthew to a set of lowest-common terms, greater emphasis is placed on the evangelist's presentation of Jesus as the remnant of Israel, whose role of sonship he re-enacts with divine approval. Following the call of the first disciples, an ever-widening circle of disciples is formed around Jesus, the Master. This, in essence, is Matthew's ὲκκλησἰα: those who have appropriated Jesus' words on his messianic authority and who, as disciples, share in the experiences of the Master who shares in those of ancient Israel.