RT Article
T1 Contested Claims: Roman Imperial Theology and Matthew's Gospel
JF Biblical theology bulletin
VO 29
IS 2
SP 56
OP 67
A1 Carter, Warren 1955-
LA English
PB Sage
YR 1999
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1773467107
AB Much recent Matthean scholarship has concentrated on the relationship between Matthew's audience and the synagogue “down the street.” Without challenging this focus, this article explores a further, largely neglected horizon, the audience's interaction with a dimension of Roman imperial power well evidenced in Antioch. Imperial theology, a cluster of themes explicating the power relationship between ruler and ruled, asserts that the Flavian emperors were elected by the Gods to manifest their rule, presence, and blessing among humans. Matthew's Gospel contests these claims by asserting God's sovereignty over the world and human existence. Jesus is God's agent, manifesting God's rule and presence among humans, and securing a quite different form of societal well being.
DO 10.1177/014610799902900202