Many models have been offered in explaining the meaning of the Beatitudes. Generally, the focus is on the eschatological, ethical, sapiential, or epitome. The model proposed in this study does not replace but rather complements the other models. The proposed model is sensitive to the Jewish metanarrative that guided the Matthean composition. The primary question of this study is how the Beatitudes demonstrate that Matthew intended to utilize Jewish concepts as a paradigmatic utterance for the Matthean community. Matthew’s paradigm was the needed transition for understanding the role of the new community post 70 AD.

Howell-PhD-dissertation-pdf