The Sword and the Coin: Antithetical Ethics and Missed Ironies in Luke 3

In Luke 3 we are introduced to the adult ministry of John the Baptist as he preaches in the region around Jordan.

Spiritualised Hermeneutics and Old Testament Interpretation in Matthew 2

In obedience to an angelic vision, Joseph takes his family to Egypt to escape the bestial and murderous Herod. Upon the tyrant's death which is believed to have occurred about 4BC, the family (again at the instigation of an angelic command) returns to Israel and re-settles in Galilee.

Matthew in v.15 reports the return of Joseph, Mary and the toddler Jesus as the fulfillment of Hosea 11.1:

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

What kind of hermeneutic or interpretative method is being employed by Matthew? The verse comes in the midst of a passage of condemnation and denunciation of Israel's conduct, the type of passage we frequently encounter in the prophets. Immediately after the statement in chapter 11.1, the passage goes on to condemn Israel – Ephraim the northern kingdom and promises that they will be defeated by Assyria.

The Testimony of Antithesis Regarding the Sword (Matthew 26.52 and Luke 22.36-38)

Christ's warning is clear. All who take up the sword will perish by it and the context of this statement is in rebuke to Peter who had just cut off the ear of Malchus, servant to the high priest.

Antithesis and Exaltation in Matthew 23.12

Some would read the abasement-exaltation theme in Matthew 23.12 as in reference to this life. In other words the man who abases himself will be (after patient interlude) reap the fruits of success in being exalted in station, wealth or perhaps power in This Age. Similar arguments are made in reference to money. We're told the love of money is the root of all evil and in consequence I've heard preachers suggest that if one puts God and family first and then seeks money... that's valid and to be commended.

Antithesis and Caesar's Coin (Matthew 22.15-22)

I have often mentioned the 'coin' episode in Matthew 22 as an occasion in which Evangelicals and other Sacralists attempt to make an argument for citizenship and civic duty. They believe the terminology 'render unto Caesar' is some kind of imperative to be engaged in the affairs of Caesar, economics, politics and the like.

Antithesis and the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19.21)

The debates over the Rich Young Ruler passage often focus on a perceived soteriological dilemma, the fact that Christ seems to suggest that salvation could be attained by deed, in this case the keeping of commandments completed or perfected in the liquidation of assets followed by large-scale charitable giving.

Antithesis in Matthew 19: Eunuchs for the Kingdom

Continuing an examination of verses pertaining to worldliness, antithesis and the Dominionist confusion regarding these topics, we come to Matthew 19 and the reference to eunuchs for the Kingdom.