Have Mercy on Me - (Library of New Testament Studies) by Glenna Jackson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Matthew's gospel begins and ends with the Jewish-Gentile debate, and at the heart of both the issue and the gospel is the story of the Canaanite woman. It is a story that reveals tension between Jews and proselytes in Matthew's community and responds to the question, 'What must one do to be a member of the community'? This study focuses on the stereotype of the woman as a Canaanite as well as Matthew's sources and the form of the story. The conclusion is that the story reflects a reinforcement of Jewish law that allows gentiles to attain membership in the Matthean community, thus continuing the Jewish tradition that allows gentiles into the faith.

Book Synopsis

Matthew's gospel begins and ends with the Jewish-Gentile debate, and at the heart of both the issue and the gospel is the story of the Canaanite woman. It is a story that reveals tension between Jews and proselytes in Matthew's community and responds to the question, 'What must one do to be a member of the community'? This study focuses on the stereotype of the woman as a Canaanite as well as Matthew's sources and the form of the story. The conclusion is that the story reflects a reinforcement of Jewish law that allows gentiles to attain membership in the Matthean community, thus continuing the Jewish tradition that allows gentiles into the faith.

Review Quotes

""The author defends a single thesis and leads readers consistently to her conclusion: the Canaanite woman is not a Gentile but a proselyte. The thesis is a good one, and Glenna Jackson defends it thoroughly and passionately." -Luzia Sutter Rehmann, Review of Biblical Literature, July 2004" --Luzia Sutter Rehmann, Review of Biblical Literature

About the Author

Glenna S. Jackson is Associate Professor in the Department of Religion & Philosophy at Otterbein College, Ohio.