Social-scientific Interpretation of the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matt 18:23-35)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15633/ps.3563Keywords:
parable Matt 18, 23–35, social-scientific interpretation, mercy, forgiveness, Our FatherAbstract
The subject matter of the article is an exposition of the theology of mercy in Jesus’ parable in Matt 18:23–35. The passage is examined in the light of three social-scientific criteria that permitted to understand the parable in the light of author’s and addressees’ social realia. The three criteria are: royal ideology, relation “patron – client”, and honor and shame. The result of the analyses is a deeper elucidation of the theological message of Matt 18:23–35: the unconditional mercy that God exerts towards sinners should stimulate in them mutual forgiveness of their faults.
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