Original Research

The Matthean characterisation of Jesus by angels

Francois P. Viljoen
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 76, No 4 | a5859 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i4.5859 | © 2020 Francois P. Viljoen | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 22 October 2019 | Published: 04 May 2020

About the author(s)

Francois P. Viljoen, Church Ministry and Leadership, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract

Angels play a significant role in the characterisation of the Matthean Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew displays particular interest in angels. This article focuses on passages in Matthew that relate the role of angels directly to Jesus. Matthew distinguishes between the angel of the Lord and angels in general. This article examines the latter group keeping in view their support of Jesus. It shows that Matthew assumes knowledge of Jewish angelic traditions among his readers. He adds new perspectives to their knowledge about the relation of angels with Jesus. He is depicted as meek and humble, refraining from using his authority to call on the assistance of angels for his own benefit. Yet angels come with reverence to serve him. In humility, he fully submits to the will of the Father by entering his passion. On the other hand, he is also depicted with eschatological glory as being accompanied by all the angels. Heavens are emptied to attend to the Son of Man on his glorious throne. With an entourage of all heavenly angels he will return as the eschatological judge not only to judge all the nations, but also the devil and his angels.

Keywords

characterisation; Matthew; narrative; angel; Jesus; judge; eschatology; narrative criticism

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2043
Total article views: 2958

 

Crossref Citations

1. Weeding Syncretism from Pentecostal Wheat in Zimbabwe
Kimion Tagwirei
Pharos Journal of Theology  issue: 105(1)  year: 2023  
doi: 10.46222/pharosjot.10532