Topical Encyclopedia Mattathias is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. His name appears in the lineage that traces Jesus' ancestry through the line of David, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from the house of David. The genealogy in Luke is distinct from that in Matthew, providing a different perspective on Jesus' earthly heritage.Genealogical Context In the Gospel of Luke, Mattathias is listed as an ancestor of Jesus in the genealogy that extends from Jesus back to Adam. Luke 3:23-38 provides this lineage, where Mattathias is mentioned in verse 26: "the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai" . This genealogy is significant as it underscores Jesus' connection to all humanity, tracing His lineage not only to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, but all the way back to Adam, the first man. Historical and Theological Significance The inclusion of Mattathias in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's covenantal promises, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The genealogies in the Gospels serve to affirm Jesus' rightful place as the promised Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Mattathias, like many of the names in the genealogy, is not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative outside of this context. However, his presence in the genealogy is a testament to the faithfulness of God's promises across generations. The genealogical record in Luke emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, affirming His role as the Son of Man who came to redeem all people. Cultural and Religious Context In Jewish tradition, genealogies were of paramount importance, serving as a means to establish identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. The genealogical records were meticulously maintained, especially for those of the tribe of Judah, from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. Mattathias' inclusion in this lineage underscores the meticulous care with which these records were kept and the importance of lineage in Jewish culture. The genealogy in Luke, which includes Mattathias, is often understood to represent the legal or royal line through Joseph, Jesus' legal father. This contrasts with the genealogy in Matthew, which is sometimes interpreted as tracing the biological line through Mary. Both genealogies together provide a comprehensive view of Jesus' rightful claim to the throne of David and His fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Conclusion While Mattathias himself may not be a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his role as an ancestor of Jesus is integral to the theological and historical framework of the New Testament. His mention in the genealogy of Jesus serves as a reminder of the divine orchestration of history and the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of David, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Nave's Topical Index Luke 3:25,26Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, Nave's Topical Index Greek 3161. Mattathias -- Mattathias, an Israelite name ... Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Mattathias Phonetic Spelling: (mat-tath-ee'-as) Short Definition: Mattathias Definition: Mattathias, an ancestor of Jesus. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3161.htm - 6k 3158. Matthat -- Mathat. Resources Who was Judas Maccabeus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Greek Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Matthias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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