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Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 — Sermon Prep & Expository Preaching Guide

Scripture

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Historical Background · Verse-by-Verse Commentary · Reception History

What is the historical and cultural background of Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26?

The passage unfolds in first-century Galilee, centered on Capernaum in particular. The call of Matthew (Levi), the meal with tax collectors and sinners, the raising of the ruler's dead daughter, and the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage all flow together as one. To understand these scenes, we must examine the social and economic structure of Galilee, the social standing of the tax collector's profession, the meaning of table fellowship, and Jewish customs surrounding purity law and illness.

The Economy of Galilee and Capernaum

References

  1. Hakola, R., "The Production and Trade of Fish as Source of Economic Growth in the First-Century CE Galilee," *Novum Testamentum* 59 (2017): 111-130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/15685365-12341561. *(based on the publicly available abstract)*
  2. Ottenheijm, E., "The Shared Meal—a Therapeutical Device: The Function and Meaning of Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9.10-13," *Novum Testamentum* 53 (2011): 1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/156853610x493009. *(based on the publicly available abstract)*
  3. Viljoen, F. P., "Hosea 6:6 and identity formation in Matthew," *Acta Theologica* 34 (2014): 214-237. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38140/at.v34i1.2607.

What does each verse of Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 mean?

> This section synthesizes the methodologies of several commentary traditions with contemporary scholarly discussion to offer a detailed exegesis that illumines the meaning of each sense unit from multiple angles. Verses whose meaning runs together in a single breath are treated as groups, while the original language, grammar, theology, and application of each unit are examined in depth.

9:9 — The Call of Matthew Seated at the Tax Booth

References

  1. Botha, R., "The transformative power embedded in Δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου and Ἀκολούθει μοι," *HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies* 77 (2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v77i4.6616.
  2. Ottenheijm, E., "The Shared Meal—a Therapeutical Device: The Function and Meaning of Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9.10-13," *Novum Testamentum* 53 (2011): 1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/156853610x493009. *(based on the publicly available abstract)*
  3. Viljoen, F. P., "Hosea 6:6 and identity formation in Matthew," *Acta Theologica* 34 (2014): 214-237. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38140/at.v34i1.2607.
  4. Jackson, G. S., "Enemies of Israel: Ruth and the Canaanite Woman," *HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies* 59 (2003): 779-792. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v59i3.673.

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