Some exegetical notes on the “worship” of Jesus, the “trinitarian” formula, and the “end of the age” in Matthew 28:16-20

In the last paragraph of the Gospel of Matthew, the risen Jesus is “worshipped” by his disciples, whom he sends into the world to baptise new disciples “in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:16-20). This has been a foundational text both for global mission (the “Great Commission”) and for the doctrine of the Trinity.

I think that the Greek church was bound to resolve the Father, Son and Spirit conundrum on Greek terms, and that the global mission was inevitable. But I don’t think that’s what’s happening here. The theological reinterpretation of scripture should not be done at the expense of the work of reconstructing historical perspectives.

1 comment | Read more...
Who is “the Greek” in Romans 1? An Israelite? Surely not. A response to Jason Staples
There is much to like about and much to learn from Jason Staples’ book Paul and the Resurrection of Israel: Jews, Former Gentiles, Israelites, but I have serious doubts about the central thesis, which is that Paul’s overarching goal is the regathering and restoration of all Israel… ( | 4 comments)
Who were the nations judged by the Son of Man?
Immediately after the catastrophe of the war against Rome, Jesus tells his disciples, the Son of Man will be seen coming with the clouds of heaven (Matt. 24:29-30). Certain things will then ensue. The angels will gather those whom he had chosen and sent out to the ends of the earth with the message… ( | 1 comment)
Christ among refugees and migrants at Christmas, part 3: the clash of symbols
The debate about Christmas and politics goes on. Reflecting on Tommy Robinson’s campaign to “put Christ back into Christmas,” soon-to-be Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, is quoted in an interview. ( | 1 comment)
Christ among refugees and migrants at Christmas, part 2: the sojourner paradigm
In part one, we looked at the argument that the Christmas stories, the career of Jesus more generally, and the mission of his followers support the view that the church and the societies in which it bears witness are obligated to welcome and include the refugee and migrant. Here we will consider… ( | 5 comments)
Christ among refugees and migrants at Christmas, part 1: neighbours and enemies
There has been a lot of scrambling for the moral high ground in response to the “far right activist” Tommy Robinson’s campaign to put “Christ back into Christmas.”One UK based network of churches states: “Christ is self-sacrificial love. Christmas is a celebration of the moment that love entered… ( | 2 comments)
Pertinent questions about God, Christ, creation, the future, baptism, and the gospel
Elliot has raised some pertinent questions about the continuing relevance of some basic Christian beliefs, given a narrative-historical understanding of the New Testament. They deserve a more substantial answer than I can provide right now, but here’s an outline of how I think we may manage… ()
Is Daniel’s “one like a son of man” who I think he is?
A. J. Derxsen appears to be a rather conservative, Reformed American blogger, so I’m a bit surprised he bothered to read and comment on my post “Who is Daniel’s son of man?” But he did, and I appreciate it, and here’s an attempt to address the counter-assertions made in his brief critique. It’… ( | 14 comments)