< (3) It also occurs to me to raise again more seriously my not very
serious question of my earlier post: IS this a parable, or IS it in
fact straightforward apocalyptic eschatological exposition?>
It seems best to label this text a "straightforward apocalyptic
eschatological exposition, especially in light of the Matthean practice of
introducing parables. For example:
A. Matt. 21:33--Allnv parablonv akousate
B. Matt. 22:1--Kai apokpiQeis o Insous palin eipen en parabolais . . .
C. Matt. 24:32--Apo de tns sukns maQete tnv parabolnv
Other phrases which indicate parabolic material include phrases that compare
the kingdom of heaven to something. Examples of this are:
A. Matt. 18:23--Dia touto wmoiwQn n basileia twv ouravwv. . .
B. Matt. 25:1--Tote omoiwQnsetai n basileia twv ouravwv . . .
Even though there are examples of parabolic material located within the
escatological discouse not introduced in either of the preceding ways (cf.
Matt. 25:14ff.), this is in the minority. It seems best to not label Matthew
25:31ff a parable.
Fighting the Fight,
Shawn