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A Prophet like Elijah or according to Isaiah? Rethinking the Identity of Jesus

Author

  • Tobias Hägerland

Editor

  • Samuel Byrskog
  • Tom Holmén
  • Matti Kankaanniemi

Summary, in English

According to John Meier, the identity of the historical Jesus was shaped by early Jewish understandings of the prophet Elijah. This article assesses five points of alleged similarity between Jesus and Elijah and draws attention to two neglected distinctions: the distinction between the earthly Elijah and the eschatological one, and the distinction between the formative and interpretative functions of the figure of Elijah. Meier’s construal of the intention and identity of Jesus is put into question. Whereas it is possible to take Jesus’ election of the Twelve as an indication of his intention to play the role of Elijah, the present article argues instead for an Isaianic

background of the key saying Q 22:30b. The role according to which Jesus shaped his identity was that of Isaiah’s anointed prophet, whose task was also to begin the restoration of Israel by appointing those who would soon be “judging” the twelve tribes.

Department/s

Publishing year

2014

Language

English

Pages

70-86

Publication/Series

The Identity of Jesus: Nordic Voices

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Mohr Siebeck

Topic

  • Religious Studies

Keywords

  • Elijah
  • historical Jesus
  • Isaiah
  • Messiah
  • prophets
  • restoration of Israel
  • the Twelve

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 9783161522048