Innocence and Sincerity or Weakness and Dependence? The Essence of tertium comparationis of the Condition “Unless you become like children” (Matt 18:3 Cover Image

Niewinność i szczerość czy słabość i zależność od innych? Istota tertium comparationis warunku Jeśli nie staniecie się jak dzieci w Mt 18,3-5)
Innocence and Sincerity or Weakness and Dependence? The Essence of tertium comparationis of the Condition “Unless you become like children” (Matt 18:3

Author(s): Kalina Wojciechowska
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Parafia Ewangelicko-Augsburska (Luterańska) w Gdańsku-Sopocie
Keywords: Children; Comparison; Dependency; Immaturity; Kingdom of God; Gospel; Discipleship

Summary/Abstract: This article presents a New Testament terminology for children. Matt. 18:3-5 uses the noun paidion meaning a little child, baby, infant. The authors of the New Testament were using this term with reference to a immaturity, weakness, dependence, powerless and subjection to authority. In the first century of the Christian era children were marginal figures in the society of the ancient world. They were completely under the father’s authority. In the teaching of Jesus children were models of and for his followers which should submit to the sovereign will of God. The childhood is only a initial stage on the road to Christian mature manhood.

  • Issue Year: 2012
  • Issue No: 6
  • Page Range: 241-251
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Polish