The Body of Jesus: A Spatial Analysis of the Kingdom in Matthew

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Little attention is usually given to the space or place of the kingdom. Yet Matthew employs the distinctive phrase kingdom of heaven and also portrays Jesus as Immanuel (God with us). In this volume Patrick Schreiner argues that by expanding ones view of space one can see that Jesus purpose is to reorder the space of the earth in Matthew as the heavenly king. Jesus pierces the barrier between the two realms in his incarnation, and the spaces of heaven and earth begin to collide in his ministry. Therefore, in Matthew, Jesus does not just promise a temporal or ethereal kingdom, but one that is located, one that has a sense of rootedness. Jesus is granted authority over this space and inspires people to follow him in this construction project. The spatial kingdom begins in his body, and he extends it to his church by promising his presence.

Reviews

What makes this volume satisfying is that, so to speak, everything is there There are reflections on philosophy, anthropology, systematic theology, sociology, and geography. This type of cross-study is certainly commendable, as he digs through an impressively wide range of materials Schreiner has done a service by bringing a neglected topic to notice. His work deserves attention as a call to examine the where or space of the kingdom of heaven, and broaden our understanding of the space. * Bulletin for Biblical Research *
Reopens questions surrounding the Matthaean 'kingdom of God/heaven' in new and engaging ways ... This study clearly confirms the vital place for spatial readings of NT texts. * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *
Insightful and instructive for the interpretation of Matthews Gospel I would recommend this work to any student of Scripture who has wrestled with questions regarding the kingdom of God, questions which have been asked throughout church history. Schreiners spatial inquiry into Matthews story of the kingdom provides new (yet also ancient) answers to these questions which move the conversation forward in a unique and most helpful way. * Books at a Glance *

Author Bio

Patrick Schreiner is Assistant Professor of New Testament Literature and Language at Western Seminary in Portland Oregon, USA.