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