Saturday, September 29, 2007

revised chiastic structure for Sermon on the Mount

Here is my revised chiastic structure for the Sermon on the Mount. I'm not sure it's possible to be satisfied with one, since there seems to be multiple overlapping parallels.

[4:23-25] <Narrative> Great crowds follow Jesus for healing.
A. [5.01-02] <Narrative> - He ascends to catechize his disciples.

B. [5:03-10] Final blessing-mercy-peace for persecuted bearers of God's rule in Christ
C. [5:11-16] New covenant prophets/priests/kings to yield God's glory among men
D. [5:17- 48] Christ came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets in us.
E. [6:01-18] Give, Pray, Fast in secret towards our Father.
E. [6:19-34] Store-up treasure in heaven / Seek first His Kingdom.
D. [7:01-12] Do unto others...for this is the Law and the Prophets.
C. [7:13-20] Beware of false prophets known by their fruits
B. [7:21-27] Final destruction for those who turn away from Christ's word
A. [7:28-29] <Narrative> - The crowds marvel at Jesus' authority.
[8:01] <Narrative> - Great crowds follow him for healing after he descends.

Another viable chiastic structure I've heard is to take the first eight beatitudes (5:3-10) as an outline for the entire sermon on the mount. Thus, the rest of the sermon on the mount as an exposition of each of those points in reverse order.

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