The Use and Function of ἐξουσία in the Gospel of Matthew

This thesis shows that in the Gospel of Matthew ἐξουσία is used progressively as a fundamental instrument to establish the divine identity of Jesus. Ἐξουσία is implemented to accomplish the ministries of Jesus and the term is applied literary and analogically to reveal and authenticate his divine affinity. Ἐξουσία portrayed Jesus as the Omni-Potent God of the universe, the Supreme Authority of the universal mission and the church, the Omni-Present Lord of his disciples and the eschatological Judge. It is also applied to justify the authority of the narrator and the existence of Matthean community as a separate religious group who considered the Gospel as their scripture, followed the teaching of Jesus as the commandments, and defined their God as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.