The Carpenter's Son

By E. K. Paul

An analysis of the Gospel of Matthew as being based on the Gospel of Mark and presented in the format of a novel. This study investigates possible Greek and Roman cultural influences on the development of the Gospel of Matthew. It postulates that the Gospel of Matthew was written in Antioch at the time of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and that the many Hebrew Bible scripture references were intended for Jewish followers of Christ during the early development of the Church.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. K. Paul
• Release date: May 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370969852

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The Carpenter’s Son

E. K. Paul

Copyright 2017 E. K. Paul

All right reserved.

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Foreword:

Is this not the carpenter’s son? Matthew 13:55

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Chapter 1: Beginnings

A favorable wind blew from the Great Sea to the land. It provided relief from the heat of the day and marking the end of the time of the day of work for most men and slaves of. As the breeze flowed over the land, it gently blew the robe of Elias who carried a scroll tucked under his left arm like the sword of a centurion.

Levi! he said, as he noticed his friend at a café beneath the shadow of a tree enjoying an early respite of wine and food.

Oh Elias, he said, Come and join me; at least for a time. I am expecting some guests to discuss a business proposal.

You work like a Roman, said Levi.

No, my friend, he said, they work for me.

And who am I; a dog? said Elias.

This is true, said Levi. For only a dog works for a friend and is ever faithful and grateful for the scraps thrown to him.

Then I am a dog, said Elias.

And you are my friend, said Levi. Here, have some bread, wine, olives and cheese; unless what you carry with you is the sword of a Roman.

It’s much more pointed and cutting than any blade they have, said Elias.

And they are dull compared to the tongue between your lips, said Levi.

You have struck the first blow, said Elias, now attend to mine.

And that is? said Levi.

The scroll attributed to Mark, said Elias.

Mark? said Levi.

You don’t remember? said Elias.

Refresh my memory, and my cup, said Levi.

Elias took the urn and poured the glistening red wine from it into the cup. Mark’s the one who captured the essence of the Messianic prophecy, said Elias.

Is it original? said Levi.

No, but I have it on good authority that it’s an accurate copy-the best scroll in all of Antioch, said Elias.

And who would be such a trusted authority? said Levi.

Your best scribe, said Elias.

You had Caleb make this? said Levi.

No, said Elias, you did.

I don’t recall giving him this instruction, said Levi.

Your memory is clear, said Elias. I gave him this instruction-but on your word.

You gave him my word? said Levi.

Is it not a good word? said Elias.

The Romans work for me and I work for you, while I think you work for me, said Levi.

I knew you would understand, said Elias as Levi took a long drink from his cup.

Have some more wine, he said as he poured two portions of water in it from another urn."

May I have some of my bread as well? said Levi, with wry sarcasm.

Why of course, be my guest, said Elias. Are you not paying for it?

They laughed together. Levi delighted in the sparkle of his friend’s eye.

I sat down to relax to bread and wine to find I’ve been served humility, said Levi.

Then you are of a mind to attend the task before you, said Elias.

And what now am I to do in your service? said Levi.

Your true task for the Lord, said Levi. You should share your understanding of Christ to the people of Rome.

Do you not recall that I am already in control of Rome? said Levi.

Of their purse, perhaps, but not their souls-at least not yet, said Elias.

And who will attend to the business of my business? said Levi.

That’s where you need me, my friend, said Elias.

You? said Levi.

Certainly, said Elias. Who knows more of your business and can command your word?

You cut like the truth of the scriptures, said Levi. But who am I, Moses that I should to write another chapter?

Who said you’d be writing this? said Elias. You would be merely providing your understanding the events of the life of Jesus so they may be shared among the known world. The time of the Apostles is swiftly passing and may have already ceased to be. You will be helping me to assemble the account; there are several papyri with recorded events and sayings of Jesus I have gathered to be considered along with the scroll of Mark.

Why me and why now? said Levi.

Have you not heard what’s happening in Jerusalem? said Elias. The Romans have laid siege to the city and vowed to destroy it and the Temple so that no stone is left standing. It has been said that the sacrifices in the Temple have ceased. If we don’t record the truth of Christ while we can, it may be lost forever. The remnant in Jerusalem’s struggling for their lives-they cannot labor for this endeavor. It’s here in Antioch where hope and the task now lives.

The sacrifice in the Temple may have ended, but the last sacrifice has already been made; and it’s a lasting sacrifice, said Levi. We have no need for another.

True, my brother, said Elias.