Language:
English
Year of publication:
1989
Titel der Quelle:
Biblical Theology Bulletin
Angaben zur Quelle:
19,1 (1989) 30-36
Keywords:
Abraham Christian interpretations
;
Church history Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism Early church, ca. 30-600
;
History
;
Christianity and antisemitism History
Abstract:
Focuses on the figure of Abraham in early Christian writings. Traces the shift in emphasis from inclusion of Gentiles in God's promises to the Jews, especially to Abraham, to complete exclusion of the Jews. Discusses references to Abraham in the Gospels, and in works by 2nd-century Church Fathers. Paul stressed that Abraham is the father of believing Gentiles, but never argued that Jews could not call on Abraham as their father. John distinguished between Abraham's spiritual descendants, the Christians, and his physical descendants, the Jews, whose true father is the Devil. Marcion, who rejected biblical Judaism altogether, declared that Abraham also refused salvation. Concludes with Justin Martyr, who believed that God's promises to Abraham were transferred to the Christians, and that without acceptance of Christ Jews had no hope for deliverance.
DOI:
10.1177/014610798901900105
URL:
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