HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies (Oct 2002)

Die Koninkryk van God by Jesus: ’n Apokalipties-eskatologiese of eties-eskatologiese begrip?

  • G.C.J. Nel,
  • A.G. van Aarde

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v58i3.597
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 58, no. 3
pp. 1113 – 1133

Abstract

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The Kingdom of God in Jesus’ sayings: An apocalyptic-eschatological or ethical-eschatological concept? Drawing on the insights of Q research, the purpose of this article is to question the traditionally accepted position that the term “Kingdom of God” in Jesus’ sayings is to be understand in terms of an apocalyptic-eschatological framework. It argues that Jesus’ used “Kingdom of God” rather in an ethical-eschatological sense. Jesus’ reference to the Kingdom of God is understood as referring to an alternative lifestyle in the here and now of the life of Jesus’ followers. This insight is applied to the present-day situation of the church by describing Jesus’ view of the Kingdom of God as subversive wisdom which challenges many conventional practices.