Stanton MCPW 1992

In this essay the author discusses the gospel of Matthew as a work written to several Christian communities that have recently parted ways with Judaism. Stanton believes the author of Matthew's gospel was desirous to promote cohesion among these Christian communities as necessary both from a perceived threat from Judaism as well as from the need for legitimation and self-definition of the communities.

Stanton also declares that while the themes in Matthew may seem in sharp contrast to those of John's gospel, in reference to the parting of the ways, they actually aren't. He feels a closer inspection will reveal that the "hostile accusations" spoken against Jesus are in fact countered carefully. A primary example of this being that the rivals of Jesus-Jews saw him as a magician and a deceiver, therefore Stanton believes the 'Son of David' references to Jesus in Matthew's gospel were aimed to be a response to them; especially since it provoked their continued opposition. Stanton feels that like most scholars Matthew came from Mark and Q sources, but he also believes Matthew contains its own redactions which are significant and worth noting, and are in fact the ones he bases his arguments upon. This particular article has been the most helpful so far in helping me answer some of my most specific questions of why and what were the causes of the split of Judaism and Christianity.