The Body of Jesus: A Spatial Analysis of the Kingdom in Matthew

by Patrick Schreiner

Little attention is usually given to the space or place of the kingdom. Yet Matthew employs the distinctive phrase “kingdom of heaven” and also portrays Jesus as Immanuel (God with us). In this volume Patrick Schreiner argues that by expanding one's view of space one can see that Jesus' purpose is to reorder the space of the earth in Matthew as the heavenly king.

Jesus pierces the barrier between the two realms in his incarnation, and the spaces of heaven and earth begin to collide in his ministry. Therefore, in Matthew, Jesus does not just promise a temporal or ethereal kingdom, but one that is located, one that has a sense of rootedness. Jesus is granted authority over this space and inspires people to follow him in this construction project. The spatial kingdom begins in his body, and he extends it to his church by promising his presence.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published July 14, 2016

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "The Body of Jesus" Patrick Schreiner presents a new and challenging lens through which to view the Gospel of Matthew. The extent of his research and mastery of the material is impressive on its own. Couple that with the fresh insights he brings to Matthew's theology through critical spatiality and it's possible we have a game changer here. Being a former classmate with Schreiner, I was happy to see this work hit the shelves and am using it in my own research. My dissertation on Matthew's gospel has certainly benefited from it.

Schreiner begins in Part one with an overview of Spatial Theory, tying it to the presence of Jesus and the Kingdom in Matthew. In Part Two, he applies this theory to Matthew's gospel, focusing on the Beelzebul Controversy, emphasizing Jesus' defeating the kingdom of darkness and bringing his kingdom upon the earth through his defeat of Satan and his cohorts. In Part Three he applies Spatial Theory to the Discourses, arguing that Jesus "creates space" by sending his disciples and instructing the community. Finally, in Part Four Schreiner focuses on the community, the church, and its task in continuing the work of extending the kingdom upon the earth.

While many have questioned the notion that the kingdom language in Matthew should be regulated only to the abstract rule of God, Schreiner provides an in depth analysis and defense of the spatial aspect of the kingdom in Matthew. In doing so he provides a solid alternative and a promising way to move the discussion forward.

While delving into Schreiner's discussion and analysis of critical spatial theory can at times be tedious, one must sometimes chip away at jagged rock to find beautiful nuggets of gold. Luckily, in Schreiner's work the gold is plentiful, and the rocks are pretty to look at as well. I would recommend this work to anyone interested in gospel studies, spatial theory, the New Testament, or the Bible.

[Phillip Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent interdisciplinary investigation of Matthew. The Rosa Parks illustration has been ringing in my head. There were so many helpful discussions and several great suggestions for further study that got my wheels spinning. I’m very thankful for this work.