“This Generation” In Matt 24:34: A Literary Critical Perspective -- By: Neil D. Nelson, Jr.

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 38:3 (Sep 1995)
Article: “This Generation” In Matt 24:34: A Literary Critical Perspective
Author: Neil D. Nelson, Jr.


“This Generation” In Matt 24:34:
A Literary Critical Perspective

Neil D. Nelson, Jr.*

The expression hē genea hautē (“this generation”) in the Olivet discourse remains what Joseph A. Fitzmyer has termed “the most difficult phrase to interpret in this complicated eschatological discourse.” 1 Narrative criticism will be employed in this paper to show that “this generation” in Matt 24:34 refers to a kind of people characterized by Matthew as unbelieving and headed toward eschatological judgment. 2 In the context of the discourse it refers to that type of consummately evil and unbelieving people who deceive and persecute the disciples of Christ until the time of the parousia, when the true followers of Jesus are vindicated and “this generation” passes away in judgment.

This study will propose literary characterizations of the disciples and “this generation” and show how these are keys to the purpose and interpretation of the discourse in general and to the parable of the fig tree (Matt 24:32–35) in particular. 3 Next, the literary method of narrative analogy will be used to show the deliberate linkage and contrast Matthew makes between the chronic difficulties of the interadvent age in Matt 24:4–14

* Neil Nelson is a doctor of philosophy candidate at Dallas Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 1065, Dallas, TX 75204.

(which do not signal an immediate end) and the acute tribulation that leads immediately to the end in 24:15–28. 4 This contrast is important in the determination of the referents of “all these things” in vv. 33–34. Then an analysis will be made of the four major interpretations of hē genea hautē currently held. Conclusions will then be stated.

I. The Characterization Of The Disciples And The Aim Of The Discourse

Redaction critics, following the work of Günther Bornkamm and Gerhard Barth, have generally characterized the disciples in Matthew’s gospel as those who understand the words and mission of Jesus. 5 In contrast Jack Kingsbury, using narrative criticism, persuasively argues that the disciples in Matthew are often imperceptive and defic...

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