Browsing by Author "Amante, Motuma Badassa"

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    The role of genealogies in the antiquities of the Jews and the Gospel of Matthew : a comparative study
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-02 ) Amante, Motuma Badassa; Nel, Marius Johannes; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Old and New Testament.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the genealogies in the Gospel of Matthew and Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews to understand their role in shaping identity within specific religious and historical contexts. The introductory chapter of the study highlights the relevance of genealogies in the Ethiopian Church, the two texts’ historical backgrounds, and the research method used in the study. Chapters Two and Three include a detailed analysis of genealogies in the Old Testament, focussing on Genesis, 1 Chronicles, and Ruth to lay the groundwork for understanding Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus. Chapter Three focusses on Matthew’s genealogy, emphasising its intertextual connections with the Old Testament and its theological focus on Jesus’ Messianic identity and the inclusion of both Jewish and non-Jewish persons in the lineage of Jesus. Chapter Four shifts focus to Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews, exploring his use of genealogical material. It highlights Josephus’ portrayal of Jewish identity through genealogies and the differences in its emphasis compared to Matthew, notably the absence of a direct genealogical line from David to Jesus. Chapter Five consists of a comparative analysis between the genealogies in Matthew and Josephus’ works, unveiling divergent aims and approaches. While Matthew emphasises Jesus’ role in God’s redemptive plan and inclusivity of both Jews and non-Jews, Josephus focussed on constructing Jewish identity around a common ancestor, Abraham, to garner favour from the Romans. The study’s main research question, formulated in Chapter One, addresses the multifaceted role of genealogies in these texts, transcending biological constructs to encapsulate relational, historical, and contextual/theological dimensions. The study reveals the distinct approaches of Matthew and Josephus, showcasing their intentions and the divergence of their audiences. The secondary questions focus on the differences in their use of genealogical concepts, the unique roles of figures like Abraham in establishing group identity, and the significance of genealogies in shaping identities in a particular society. Overall, this dissertation provides a comprehensive examination of genealogies in the Gospel of Matthew and the Antiquities of the Jews, revealing their intricate roles in shaping group identities, theological implications, and historical contexts in the ancient world.