The Sevenfold Form of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew's Gospel

TitleThe Sevenfold Form of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew's Gospel
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsWenham, David
JournalExpository Times
Volume121
Issue8
Pagination377-382
Abstract

The Lord’s Prayer, in the form we find it in Matthew’s gospel, consists of seven petitions, carefully and chiastically arranged: the first three clauses go together and ask for God’s glory, the last three ask for help in our struggle with evil; the fourth is different, linking the two groups and asking the Father in heaven to supply our down-to-earth needs. This rarely noted structure reflects Matthew’s artistry, his belief in Jesus as the teacher and embodiment of God’s perfection and the Sermon on the Mount’s concern for God’s kingdom and the Father’s provision for his children.

URLhttp://ext.sagepub.com/content/121/8/377
Matt. 5:17-20, ABBA; 6:9-13, ABCDCBA

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