Comparison and Contrast of Matthew Gospel 25:1-13

Eschatology with the Apocalypse



Comparison and Contrast of Matthew Gospel 25:1-13

Eschatology with the Apocalypse

Introduction

There are various predictions of the end of the world and doomsday and there are speculations about the doomsday either based on the biblical approach or predictions based on the human history. In Christianity Matthew's Gospel studies this concept with the understanding of prophecies associated with Eschatology and coming of Christ. According to Seay, Prophecy is the “faculty, function, or practice of predicting future events”. This can be further studied with the two more essential theological ideologies such as Eschatology that deals with the concerns regarding end of time and destiny of man and world. It is derived from Greek eskhatos meaning "last". Another concept is derived from the Greek apokaluptein meaning to "uncover, disclose". It is “Apocalypse”, which deals with the Christian theology associated with the end of world as described with the Revelation in the Bible.  

(1). Prophetic Eschatology and Prophetic Apocalypse

Gospel of Matthew defined Apocalyptic-eschatological section in New Testament with the Prophesies of Jesus as the arrival of “Son of Man who would sit on his throne of glory and preside over the final judgment”. It is therefore associated with the final judgment and religious perspectives associated with the present, past and future. It also deals with the Christian theology in understanding the concepts associated not only with the judgment day, but also discussed its aftermath. To understand and study this concept, Sim identified this concept in the social setting along with content and functions of the apocalyptic-eschatology as described in the gospel of Matthew. It is clearly explained in accordance with the social context that how a person is supposes to prepare him for the judgment day and to meet Jesus when he will arrive. It is defined as Eschatology meaning preparation for the “last”.

Another important concept is “apocalypticism” or millennialism that is also adopted with the understanding of this word associated with the “messianic movements”. This is very different from the early concept of Judaism. Sim discussed concept of apocalyptic Eschatology in accordance a number of different theological concepts associated with it such as determinism, dualism, fate, righteousness, judgment etc. Wilcockson discussed this with the concept of judgment and the return of Jesus as defined in Matthew 25, as “Jesus' return as the Son of Man”. This also identified as the preparation in accordance with the revelation in the Bible that guide humanity to be prepared for the day. (2). Matthew 25:1-13

Apocalyptic eschatology is very well defined in Matthew 25:1-13 according to which there is clear indication about the return of Jesus and apocalypse about the Day of Judgment. The major focus is on the ecclesiology which is difficult to separate from eschatology. Matt. 25:1-13 discuss the parable of the wedding feast with ten virgins. It was decided that they have to meet the bridegroom. This clearly indicates the Jesus return and therefore everyone is required to prepare themselves for the day. The virgins carrying oil lamps to ...