Chapter 2: The Historical and Literary Setting of the Parable of the Talents

2.1. INTRODUCTION

To helps us better understand the message of the parable contextually, we need to investigate the historical context of the Gospel according to Matthew, perceive the social and cultural setting of the Parable of the Talents, and assess the literary context of the Parable of the Talents.

Thus, this chapter presents: the place of composition and the recipients, the issue of authorship, and the date of composition of the Gospel of Matthew. To understand the social and cultural setting of the Parable of the Talents, the relation between the master and the servants in the first century, the meaning of the talent in antiquity as well as the tradition of burying the talents in the first century are also investigated. Furthermore, the contextual delimitations, the form of the text (genre), background texts for the parable, parallel texts in the synoptic gospel, and the structure of Matthew 25:14-30 are assessed in order to grasp the message of the Parable of the Talents in the literary context. Textual criticism and the translation of the text are also important as basis for the exegesis.

2.2. THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

A. THE PLACE OF COMPOSITION AND RECIPIENTS OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Regarding the place of composition of the Gospel of Matthew, there is no consensus among scholars. Palestine, perhaps Caesarea, and Alexandria are suggested, but most commentators agree that a place in Syria (Antioch) is most likely. 40 The issue of recipi-