One Messiah, two advents, three forerunners: The chiastic structure of Matthew 11:2–17:13

Abstract

This article proposes and evaluates a large chiastic structure for Matthew 11:2–17:13, leading to a discussion about the one Messiah, his two advents, and three forerunners, namely John the Baptist, the prophet Elijah, and another forerunner, the Apostle Peter, during the Inter-Advent Period. The structure emphasises God’s kingdom programme, the Inter-Advent Period and the parables of Matthew 13. What may be theologically significant about this chiastic structure is that it may link Matthew 13 to the typological fulfilment of the feasts of the Lord by the Lord Jesus Christ and it also focuses attention on the roles of three forerunners.

Keywords

• Chiastic structure
• Matthew 13
• John the Baptist
• Elijah the prophet
• First and Second Advent, parables
• mysterie