REFERENCE AND RHETORIC IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

  • H J Bernard Combrink Stellenbosch University
Keywords: Gospel of Matthew, mimetic axis, rhetoric of Matthew

Abstract

This article reacts to the view that whereas the Markan narrative functions predominantly on the rhetorical axis of communication, Matthew operates basically on the mimetic axis. Although there are obvious differences between the rhetoric of Matthew and Mark, it is not to characterize Matthew’s rhetoric as more referential than in the case of Mark. Instead of discovering a moving away from rhetoric in Matthew, one can point to various rhetorical techniques utilized in the narration of the story. A rhetorical reading of Matthew also has to take the power of the text into account.

Author Biography

H J Bernard Combrink, Stellenbosch University
Old and New Testament 
Published
2019-12-17
Section
Articles