The Journal of Theological Studies Advance Access originally published online on May 12, 2009
The Journal of Theological Studies 2009 60(2):527-530; doi:10.1093/jts/flp050
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Inquiring into an Inclusio—On Judgement and Love in Matthew
SEITE, Rochester, UK
Correspondence: revandyangel{at}hotmail.com
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There is a consensus amongst commentators that Matt. 1:23 and 28:20 form an inclusio around the gospel which highlights the theme God with us. Ulrich Luz uses this inclusio to argue that Matthew intends the reader to understand that love predominates over judgement—another key theme of the gospel. However, this reading misses the clear evocation of the eschatological judgement in Matt. 28:20. Reading Matt. 28:20 alongside Matt. 13:40, 49 demonstrates that Jesus is present with the disciples as Emmanuel until Jesus judges them as Son of Man. The inclusio evokes the presence of Christ with the disciples until the judgement, and so combines the themes of presence and judgement. If either theme predominates, it is that of eschatological judgement.