Date of Matthew's Narrative

Name: Date of Matthew's Narrative
Author: George Bernard Shaw

The narrative explores the implications of Jesus's promise of a Second Coming, suggesting that the gospel was written while his contemporaries were still alive, allowing for the possibility of this promise being fulfilled. The text argues that the death of the last person who witnessed Jesus's life marked the end of the potential for the Second Coming, highlighting the skepticism of figures like Pilate and the Jews. The author posits that Matthew, as a believer in this promise, wrote his account with an expectation of its imminent realization, leaving the narrative unfinished to be completed by the anticipated event. This perspective situates the writing of the gospel within a timeframe close to the crucifixion, emphasizing the urgency and relevance of its message. Additionally, it suggests that the act of reading and engaging with texts would be a significant aspect of the envisioned kingdom of heaven on earth, reflecting a belief in the transformative power of literature and its role in spiritual fulfillment. The work ultimately presents a critical examination of the historical context and theological implications surrounding the gospel, inviting readers to consider the interplay between faith, time, and narrative.

By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1946 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction · 187 words

First lines

One effect of the promise of Jesus to come again in glory during the lifetime of some of his hearers is to date the gospel without the aid of any scholarship. It must have been written during the lifetime of Jesus's contemporaries: that is, whilst it was still possible for the promise of his Second Coming to be fulfilled. The death of the last person who had been alive when Jesus said "There be some of them that stand here that shall in no wise taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom" destroyed the last possibility of the promised Second Coming, and bore out the incredulity of Pilate and the Jews. And as Matthew writes as one believing in that Second Coming, and in fact left his story unfinished to be ended by it, he must have produced his gospel within a lifetime of the crucifixion. Also, he must have believed that reading books would be one of the pleasures of the kingdom of heaven on earth.

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Date of Matthew's Narrative is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1946 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: George Bernard Shaw
Date: 1946 CE
Language: English
Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Theological Commentary
Length: 187 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around the promise of Jesus's Second Coming and its implications, reflecting religious themes and beliefs.
Historical Fiction — The text discusses events and beliefs from the time of Jesus, situating the narrative in a historical context.
Philosophical Fiction — The work explores philosophical questions about belief, prophecy, and the nature of fulfillment.
Theological Commentary — The narrative provides an analysis of theological concepts related to the Second Coming and its impact on early Christian thought.