Der Weg der Völker: Die eschatologische Begründung der Völkermission im Matthäusevangelium

Abstract

This article focuses on the theological justification of the mission to the nations in the Gospel of Matthew. As a starting point, debates pro and contra are supposed in the community. The argument then takes two directions. The prophetic announcement concerning the eschatological salvation of the nations with special regard to the pilgrimage to Zion is assumed as a background for Matt 28.16–20 against the majority reference to Dan 7.13–14. Against the view that the Son of God is the christological category on which Matthew justifies the mission to the nations, the ecclesiological significance of this title is emphasised here. The title Son of God does indeed play a role in the mission, not, however, as an argumentative tool, but as the core content of the own group culture that is transmitted through mission. The eschatological horizon forms the justification of both the Israel and the nations’ mission. Finally, the question is asked whether the ideological support of the mission to the nations can be understood in the context of a generation change in the community.