The Jewish Background to Interpersonal Forgiveness in Matthew

Authors

  • Isaac Kahwa Mbabazi Author

Keywords:

Gospel of Matthew, Interpersonal forgiveness, Sirach 28:1-7, Conditionality, Reciprocity, Mercy, Divine judgement, Unmerciful debtor, Lord's Prayer, Second Temple Judaism

Abstract

This essay contributes to Matthean scholarship by examining the Jewish background of interpersonal forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew. It proposes that Sirach 28:1–7 serves as a key background text not only for the parable of the unmerciful debtor (Matt 18:23–35) but also for the Lord's Prayer teaching in Matthew 6:12, 14–15. This link relies on five shared concepts: conditionality, reciprocity, the connection between mercy and forgiveness, reluctance to forgive, and God's ultimate judgement on those who refuse to show mercy.

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References

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Published

2011-04-04

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 1 (2011): Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology (AJET)

Section

Articles

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