Part I - Apocalyptic eschatology and apocalypticism

Summary

This first part is concerned with the related notions of apocalyptic eschatology and apocalypticism. The first chapter begins with a discussion of the current terminology and identifies in broad terms what is meant by apocalyptic eschatology and apocalypticism in the present study. The remainder of the chapter will then present a survey of the major characteristics of apocalyptic eschatology. Such a survey will provide a firm basis from which we may approach the apocalyptic-eschatological content of Matthew in the second part of the study (chapters 3–7). The second chapter moves from the realm of description to that of explanation. Here the focus of attention will be on the phenomenon of apocalypticism. What factors contribute to the rise of apocalypticism? What is it which causes certain individuals or groups to resort to apocalyptic eschatology? Does this phenomenon have an identifiable social setting? Finally, we shall look at the related issue of the function of apocalyptic eschatology in the works (or groups) where it is prominent. The investigation of these questions will put us in a position to examine in chapters 8 and 9 the social setting of Matthew's apocalyptic eschatology as well as the function it plays within that gospel.