Date Approved
5-19-2021
Embargo Period
5-20-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. History
Department
History
College
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Advisor
Morschauser, Scott
Committee Member 1
Heinzen, James
Committee Member 2
Rose, Chanelle
Keywords
Almsgiving, Final Judgement, Matthew 25, Sheep and Goats, Son of Man, The Least of These
Subject(s)
Bible New Testament
Disciplines
Biblical Studies | History of Christianity
Abstract
The intention of this paper is to analyze and explore the different aspects of Matthew 25:31-46. This research briefly examines how modern Biblical scholars and theologians have approached and interpreted Matthew 25. Further, I will place Jesus' announcement of the "coming of the Son of Man" within its historical context and explore how this announcement would have fit within and against First Century Israelite beliefs. By extension, I will attempt to examine the textual relationship of Matthew 25 to Jewish, non-Jewish and Early Christian texts. Finally, I will conclude with how Matthew 25 was interpreted and influential in both the Patristic and Medieval Eras.
Recommended Citation
Downing, Christine Marie, ""The least of these?" The origins and evolution of a misunderstood group in Matthew 25" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 2902.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/2902
