| dc.description.abstract | In view of the prevailing conflict among biblical scholars on the meaning of
βασιλείᾳ in Matthew 16:28, the study sought the correct interpretation of the text. In
this undertaking, the first objective was to determine the proper literary setting of the
text. The second objective was to determine the meaning of the text within its
historical and grammatical setting. The third objective was to draw some theological
implications from the text.
A wide range of sources were consulted during the investigative process.
Articles from journals, theological dictionaries, lexicons, commentaries, and other
theological books which have a bearing on the topic provided useful information for
the overall development of the study and the ultimate conclusion. An exegetical study
using the historical grammatical method was undertaken to achieve the goal.After a careful analysis of Matthew 16:28, the study has ascertained that the
meaning of βασιλείᾳ is to be found in the context of the transfiguration of Matthew
17:1-13. This decision was informed by four grounds. Firstly, the literary analysis of
the passage within its immediate and wider context assisted in defining the limits and
possible considerations for the correct rendering of the text. Secondly, the textual
analysis of the parallel phrases and clauses including word studies strengthened the
transfiguration as the fulfilment of the promise. Thirdly, contextual evidence from
Matthew and the related synoptic accounts demonstrated that the placement of the
transfiguration immediately after the prediction is indicative of what the evangelists
had in mind as the correct interpretation. In this case, the pericope identified in
Matthew is 16:28-17:13. Lastly, intertextual evidence points to the transfiguration as
the event which carries the primary abstract meaning of βασιλείᾳ. Theological
implications covered such themes as the certainty of the Parousia, the kingdom of
Christ and also Christ as Messiah. | en_US |
