This book presents a study of the Matthean Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-12) from
social-historical perspective and their implications for contemporary Christian
discipleship.
The author meticulously investigated the socio-historical background of the Matthean
community at first instance, and then has done an exegetical study on the Matthean
Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-12) using the historical critical method as the main tool. Also, he
has employed insights on the socio-historical experience of the Matthean community for
drawing exegetical conclusions. The author concludes that the Matthean Beatitudes can be
subsumed under the category of apocalyptic beatitudes. While the first, the second, the
fourth, the eighth and the ninth beatitudes (Matt 5:3, 4, 6, 10, 11-12) mainly pronounce
consolation to the suffering people of God (the Matthean community); the third, the fifth,
the sixth and seventh beatitudes (Matt 5:5, 7, 8, 9) carry ethical exhortation too.
This scholarly work not only fills an important gap in Matthean studies by refocusing
on the importance of these prefatory beatitudes in St. Matthew's gospel, but it does so
from the vantage point of the wider hermeneutical perspective provided by contemporary New
Testament investigations.
The author affirms that these beatitudes have important implications for Christians in
India today, both as a consolation to the downtrodden, impoverished and persecuted
Christians; and as an exhortation to the Christians in general to pursue ethical conduct
as required in their specific contexts befitting the followers of Jesus Christ. This
well-researched work is a treat for all the theological students across the globe due to
its clarity, use of scholarly materials and systematic exploration of relevant materials.
Contents
Foreword-I
Foreword-II
Acknowledgment
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. The Socio-Historical Setting of Matthew's Gospel
2. Exegesis of Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
3. Implication of the Matthean Beatitudes for Contemporary Christian Discipleship
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Rev. Dr. Vanlalchhawna Khiangte is an ordained minister of the Baptist
Church of Mizoram (BCM). After working as a missionary for seven years (1985-1992) he
studied B.D. at Union Biblical Seminary, Pune (1992-1996). He worked as a pastor for four
years (1996-2000) under the BCM. After he finished M.Th. (New Testament) from United
Theological College, Bangalore (2000-2002), BCM deputed him to teach at the Academy of
Integrated Christian Studies (AICS) in 2002, which is continuing.
He completed his doctoral study under the SATHRI of the Senate of Serampore
College/University in October, 2011. He was the Vice Principal, and now is the Academic
Dean and Dean of Ministerial Training at the AICS, Aizawl, Mizoram.
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