Reflections on Scripture: Matthew's Message
The New Exodus, the Messianic Sanctuary, and a New Torah
Today we continue the task of commenting daily (except Sunday) on scripture in its canonical order. These posts are structured so that two days will be devoted to the OT and two to the NT- with every other post exclusive to paid subscribers or patrons. Today we begin our discussion of the New Testament, beginning with Matthew’s Gospel.
The gospels are often assumed to have been written as independent documents- without any intent that they be read as scripture. Much evidence stands against this notion. There is no record of any period of the post-apostolic era where the New Testament documents are treated as mere common texts. By the middle of the second century, St. Justin Martyr bears witness that the “memoirs of the apostles and those who followed them” (apostles=Matthew, John, those who followed them=Mark, Luke) were conjoined with the law and the prophets in their being read liturgically. St. Paul similarly instructs that his writings be read aloud during the services of the Church, and tells the Corinthians that those who do not regard his writings as the command of God is not to be welcomed in their midst. The design of Matthew’s Gospel is highly suggestive of its intention: to be the opening work of new scripture for the people of God.
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