Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
WELCOME to
CBISA 2015-18
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
https://www.diocesetucson.org/pastoral-service/cbisa/
Oct. 17, 2015
Gospel according to Matthew
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Opening Prayer:
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Opening Prayer: SONG
We Are the Light of the World
(by Jean A. Greif)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
General Announcements
• Welcome from Bishop Kicanas
• Wi-Fi Access in this Hall: 0m0s1800
• Registration Questions/Payments
• Attendance & Assignments
• Books on Sale
• CDs can be ordered
• Remaining Written Questions from Sept?
• Other?
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Daily Schedule (Gray HO < Aug.)
8:30
[Saturday Mass in OMOS Church – optional]
9:00
9:15
9:30
10:45
11:00
12:30
1:30
2:45
3:00
4:20
4:30
Gathering; Handouts; Refreshments
Welcome & Opening Prayer
Session 1 (10:30 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
Break
Session 2 (12:00 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
Lunch
Session 3 (2:30 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
Break
Session 4 (4:00 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
Final Announcements & Closing Prayer
Clean-up & Departure
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Year 1 Syllabus (Salmon HO from Aug.)
Reflection Paper: was due Oct. 3, e-mailed to your reader:
• Choose Matt 7, or Matt 18, or Matt 25
• Guidelines on Lilac Handout from August
Readings for Today, Oct. 17: Gospel acc. to Matthew
• BIBLE: The Gospel acc. to Matthew (all 28 chaps.)
• ALAND: Pp. 49-64; cf. Index, pp. 343 & 352
• BROWN: Chap. 6B (pp. 111-122) and Ch. 8;
also skim Ch. 5 (as time permits)
• RALPH: Chapter 4
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Review: “Four-fold Role” of Evangelists
• Selectors – from among the many things Jesus said and did,
they chose which stories they wanted to include and which to omit.
• Arrangers – they organized materials in a particular sequence,
not necessarily chronologically but often in thematic blocks.
• Shapers – they adapted and edited the individual stories from
their sources so as to emphasize the themes they wanted to stress.
• Proclaimers – they were not objective historians, but preached
the “good news” about Jesus in ways appropriate to their audiences.
See Handouts from Sept. Session (bottom of pg. 4)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Session 1: Synoptic Problem
• Today’s Handout, pp. 3-4; R. Brown, chap. 6
• Historical & Literary Relationships
between Matthew, Mark, and Luke
• What’s the “Problem” with the Synoptics?
• Similarities are so great (identical wording in
Greek for long stretches); can’t be explained
merely by common “Oral Tradition”
• Must be SOME “Literary Dependence”
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Examples: Matthew = Luke
Luke 6:41-42 (Aland p. 69)
• "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do
not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to
your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’
when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You
hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will
see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."
Matt 7:3-5
• "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do
not notice the log that is in your eye? 4 Or how do you say to your
brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log
is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own
eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your
brother's eye."
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Examples: Matthew = Luke
Luke 10:13-15 (Aland p. 166)
• "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that
were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they
would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14
Indeed it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment
than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the
skies? No, you will go down to Hades.
Matt 11:21-23
• "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that
were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they
would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell
you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of
judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up
to the skies? No, you will go down to Hades.
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Examples: Matthew = Luke
Luke 13:34-35 (Aland p. 191)
• "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones
those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather (episunagagein) your
children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
and you would not have it! 35 Behold, your house is left to you
desolate; for I say to you, from now on you will not see me until you
say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’."
Matt 23:37-39
• "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who
are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather (episunaxai) your
children together, the way a hen her own chicks under her wings, and
you were unwilling. 38 Behold, your house is being left to you
desolate! 39 But I say to you, you will not see me until the time comes
when you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’."
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Synoptic Problem
• Solutions proposed for Synoptic Problem
• Traditional/Augustinian Hypothesis
• Griesbach/Two-Gospel Hypothesis
• Farrer/Goulder Hypothesis (posits Markan Priority)
• Most Commonly Accepted Theory Today:
Four-Source Hypothesis
(a.k.a. Two-Document Hypothesis)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Synoptic Problem: Theories
• Traditional / Augustinian Hypothesis
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Synoptic Problem: Theories
• Griesbach / Two-Gospel Hypothesis
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Synoptic Problem: Theories
• Farrer / Goulder Hypothesis
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Most Common Theory Today:
• Four-Source Hypothesis
(a.k.a. Two-Document Hypothesis)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Synoptic Problem: ISSUES
• “Markan Priority”
• Mark is the OLDEST complete Gospel
• Proposed Contents of Q: “Quelle”
• See FJ website; or R. Brown, pp. 118-119
• Objections against “Q-Source”
• And Counter-Arguments
• Why Was Mark Preserved?
• “Gospel of Peter” & “Gospel of Rome”
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
COLOR ANALYSIS of Synoptics
• Single Traditions: use Primary Colors:
• RED = Matthew
• YELLOW = Mark
• BLUE = Luke
• Double Traditions (only Two Gospels)
• Orange, Green, Purple
• Triple Tradition (all Three Synoptics)
• Black/Grey: (sometimes also John)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Session 1: Synoptic Problem
• Analyzing Gospel Parallels, using
Synopsis of the Four Gospels,
by Kurt Aland (ABS)
• Assigned Readings:
• Index, p. 343 – Sermon on the Mount
• Texts, pp. 49-64 – Sermon on the Mount
• Index, p. 352 – Eschatological Discourse
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Table-Group Discussions
What difference does knowing the
ORDER of the Gospel composition
make to our understanding of
Matthew’s Gospel?
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Faith-Sharing Guidelines (Gold)
“Ten Commandments” – for SPEAKING and LISTENING
1. See Jesus in every member of your group.
2. Love each member just as she or he is today.
3. Treat everyone as well as you want them to treat you (the “Golden Rule”).
4. Share only what God is revealing to you about yourself and your own life.
5. Allow each person equal time to share with the group, but don’t force anyone.
6. Be courteous of one another. Allow each person to speak without interruption.
7. Listening is even more important than speaking (we have two ears, one mouth).
8. Do not try to solve another person’s problems. Do not teach, preach, judge,
condemn, or give advice. Just listen and offer support.
9. Do not share with others outside the group what you heard in the group.
Confidentiality is essential for the trust level of a group.
10. All members of the group assume responsibility for these guidelines.
Gently remind and lovingly encourage one another if anyone forgets.
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Session 2: Intro to Matthew
• Matthew’s Gospel:
Outline / Overview / Literary Features
• Christology in Matthew: Son of David, Son
of Abraham, Teacher/Lawgiver like Moses
• Discipleship in Matthew: Learning and Living
according to Jesus’ Teachings
• Five Great Speeches of Jesus in Matthew’s
Gospel
• The Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5–7)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Matthew in Lectionary
(no new HO)
• Most Sundays of Year A (pg. 5 of Sept. HO)
• Not just Ord. Time; but also most Liturgical
“Seasons” (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter)
• Parts omitted
on Sundays
are mostly
used on
weekdays
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Matthew: Outline & Contents (p. 2)
Genealogy & Infancy Narrative: Matt 1–2
Narrative (mostly): Matt 3–4
First Discourse: "Sermon on Mount": Matt 5–7
Narrative (mostly): Matt 8–9
Second Discourse: "Missionary Instructions": Matt 10
Narrative (mostly): Matt 11–12
Third Discourse: "Parables Collection": Matt 13
Narrative (mostly): Matt 14–17
Fourth Discourse: "Community Instructions": Matt 18
Narrative (mostly): Matt 19–22
Fifth Discourse: "Eschatological Sermon": Matt 23–25
Passion & Resurrection Narrative: Matt 26–28
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Initial Sharing in Pairs
• Turn to ONE neighbor (or at most two),
and briefly share:
• What were your overall impressions as
you read ALL of Matthew’s Gospel?
• What stood out for you or surprised you?
• How did reading this Gospel affect you?
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
4 Gospels: Comparative Charts
• Full-color handout (from Sept.):
• Mark = Yellow
• Matthew = Red
• Luke = Blue
• John = Grey (or Brown)
• Study Vertically and Horizontally
• Vertically: focus on each Gospel separately
• Horizontally: compare features in 4 Gospels
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Matthew: Literary Historical Issues
• Attributed author: tax collector & apostle
(Mark 3:18; Matt 9:9; 10:3; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13)
• Implied author: bilingual (Aramaic & Greek)
early Jewish Christian; trained “scribe” of 13:52?
• Audience: educated Jews who already believe in Jesus,
but argue over the proper interpretation of the Law
• Location: possibly Galilee; probably in/near Antioch in Syria
• Date: late 70’s or 80’s (core text by Matthew himself in 50’s?)
• Sub-genre: a book of “heritage” (1:1) with much “teaching”
(28:20)
• Purpose: to teach a community that is experiencing
internal divisions and external enemies
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Matthew: SOURCES
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
(HO, p. 5)
• Old Testament
• MARK
• Q-Source (Quelle, or “Sayings Source”)
• “Sayings of the Lord” (written by Matthew)
• Other “M” Materials (oral and/or written)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Matthew’s Use of Mark’s Gospel
• RETAINS overall geographical outline
• RETAINS most of the contents
• IMPROVES grammar and writing style
• CORRECTS historical inaccuracies
• REARRANGES materials differently
• ADDS much new material
• Both Narrative (stories) & Discourse (teachings)
• Material Unique to Matthew (HO, p. 2)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Matthew: Literary Features (p. 6)
• “Fulfillment” of Hebrew Scriptures
• See HO, pp. 9-12
• Improves portraits of Jesus’ Disciples
• Worsens portraits of Jesus’ Opponents
• Frequent use of Pairs / Twos
• Sometimes together; sometimes in contrast
• Restricts Jesus’ Ministry to JEWS only
• “Don’t go to Gentiles or Samaritans”
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
CHRISTOLOGY in Matthew
• “WHO IS JESUS?” (acc. to Matthew)
• Matt retains most titles from Mark
• More Emphasis on Jesus as:
• Son of Abraham (& Isaac & Jacob)
• Son of David = King of the Jews
• Prophet and Teacher LIKE Moses
• Emmanuel (God is with us)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
DISCIPLESHIP in Matthew
• Ideal Disciple = Loyal “MATHETES”
• “Subject” who obeys his/her King
• “Student/pupil” who learns from Teacher
• Put Faith into Action
• Practice what you’ve learned!
• Don’t be a “hypocrite”!
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Five Major Discourses of Jesus
1. “Sermon on Mount”: Matt 5–7
2. “Missionary Instructions”: Matt 10
3. “Parables Collection”: Matt 13
4. “Community Instructions”: Matt 18
5. “Eschatological Sermon”: Matt 23–25
http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Matthew-Discourses.htm
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5–7)
Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels
• Index, p. 343
• Texts, pp. 49-64
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Table-Group Discussions:
1) What impresses/surprises
you most about Matthew’s
Portrait of Jesus?
2) How is the “Sermon on the
Mount” a summary of the
whole Gospel? (consider
both Christology and Discipleship)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
LUNCH Break
•F O O D !
• Conversation!
• Relaxation!
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Session 3: PARABLES of Jesus
• Today’s HO, pp. 13-16
• Definitions: What are “Parables”?
(and what are they not?)
• What is the “Purpose” of Jesus’ Parables?
• Gospel Parables and Related Materials
in the Four Gospels
• Parables in Matthew, esp.
Matt 13, Matt 20–22, and Matt 24–25
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Table/Group Discussions
• Choose ONE of the following:
• Vineyard Workers & Employer (20:1-16)
• Two Sons (21:28-32)
• Wedding Banquet (22:1-14)
• Analyze This Parable:
• What’s the “strange twist(s)” within the story?
• What meaning was intended by JESUS?
• What meaning was intended by MATTHEW?
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Session 4: Miracles, Mission, Church
• Miracle Stories in the Synoptic Gospels
• Matt 8–9: Jesus the Miracle-Worker
• Matt 10: Apostles “sent out” on a Mission
• Matt 18: Community Life of the “Church”
• Matt 26–27: Matthean Passion Narrative
• Matt 28: Resurrection & Great Commission
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
NT Miracle Stories (HO, pp. 17-18)
• Definitions of “Miracle”
• Modern Idea: against “laws of nature”?
• Ancient Idea: showing “mighty power”!
• Four Types of “Miracle Narratives”
• Healings
• Exorcisms
• Restorations
• Nature Miracles
• Also “Evangelists’ Summaries”
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
How Miracle Stories Are Told
• Biblical “Form Criticism” – detects
PATTERN, with FIVE main STAGES:
1. Introduction
2. Conflict/Delay
3. Healing Action
4. Confirmation
5. Reaction
• Check the miracle stories of MATT 8–9
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Matthew 10&18: Mission & Church
• Matt 10: Apostles “sent out” on Mission
• Selection of 12 “disciples” as “apostles”
• Instructions: what to do & what to expect
• Do they actually go out (in Matt)?
• When do they finally go out on mission?
• Matt 18: Community called “Church”
• Care for “Least Ones” within the community
• Sin/forgiveness/reconciliation in the cmty
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Passion of Jesus in Matthew
• Matt 26-27 – “Mt’s Passion Narrative”
• See today’s Handout, pg. 20
• http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Passion.htm
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Resurrection of Jesus in Matthew
• Matt 28:
• Empty Tomb
• Appearance to the Women
• Appearance to the Disciples
• Great Commission
• http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Resurrection.htm
• Much more on Resurrection next month!
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Monthly Assignments (Lilac HO)
• AFTER Session: Writing Assignment
• Monthly ONE-page Reflection Paper
• Email to your “Reader” within TWO weeks
• BEFORE next Session: Reading Assignments
• BIBLE: New Testament itself
• Textbooks:
• M.N. Ralph, A Walk through the NT
• R. Brown, Introduction to the NT
• K. Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Year 1 Syllabus (Salmon HO from Aug.)
Reflection Paper, e-mail to your reader by Oct. 31:
• Choose Matt 7, or Matt 18, or Matt 25
• Follow Guidelines from Lilac Handout from August
Readings for Nov. 21: Luke’s Two-Volume Work
• BIBLE: All of LUKE & All of ACTS
• ALAND: Pp. 28-48, 65-71; cf. Index, pp. 342, 344, 347-49
• BROWN: Chapters 9-10; also skim Ch. 4
• RALPH: Chapters 5 & 7
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Monthly Reflection Papers (Lilac)
Levels of
Questions to Consider:
Interpretation:
LITERAL
What is the content of this biblical text? What is it literally about?
Also, what is the literary genre or style of this ancient scriptural text?
RHETORICAL
What message did the author intend to convey to the original readers?
What did the biblical author want these readers to know and/or to do?
PERSONAL
What does this text mean to me, here and now, on a personal level?
How can I apply it to my own life today, as an individual believer?
COMMUNAL
What does this text say to all of us together, as a faith community
today?
How can Christian Churches apply these lessons for the common
good?
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Closing Prayer: Songs
• Shepherd Me, O God (by Marty Haugen)
• Like a Shepherd (by Bob Dufford, SJ)
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Opening Prayer:
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew
Departure
God Bless You!
See you on Nov. 21
(Luke & Acts)