When God’s kingdom comes, and God’s will is done, no one will have to be poor in Spirit, mourn, be meek, or hunger and thirst for righteousness, but everyone who is ruled by God and does God’s will is merciful, pure in heart, committed to peacemaking, and willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness.
Mark Allan Powell, “Matthew’s Beatitudes: Reversals and Rewards of the Kingdom” CBQ July (1996) 460-478, here 475. This is quite possibly the best article I've read thus far on the Beatitudes. Powell convincingly makes the case that the beatitudes be read in two stanza's (5:3-6 & 7-10 - each containing 36 words, 11-12 contain 35 words. 5:6 & 10 both end with righteousness, and 5:3-6 is marked by alliteration in the Greek text). The first section deals with reversals of misfortune, and the second deals with rewards for virtues embodied in praxis. Thus moving forward the debate between those who see it primarily as reversals or primarily as rewards. He also widens the referent of God's blessing to include those beyond the community of disciples. According to Powell, when God's kingdom reigns, everyone marginalised will benefit, not just those within the community of faith. If you're interested in this section of scripture, make sure you engage with this article.
4 comments:
Do we have to give you credit?
Credit for what? The Bold is a quote, so if you're using that you'll have to reference it. But otherwise I've just summarised Powell's first few pages. So yes, give credit where credit is due.
Oh, I just followed your profile link and found it was you JONNY! Sorry bro, didn't realise who it was. Yeah, it was me that told Bob about this article, and how good it is! So make sure you read it!
How's it going?
As my eldest would say, "LOL."
Yeah, I wondered if you would realise it was one of your fellow students!
I am not surprised that it was you who informed Dr. B. about it. I will read it... although, I could just use or quote your summation
;-)
Health has not been the best after the last block course, but I am plodding on.
How are things goin your end, bru (contextualisation)?
I did want to get hold of ya, but I couldn't see a "contact me" on your blog... could you please email me your email details... iamjonnyking at gmail dot com
I will download then
Toda Raba
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