Corpus-Paul

[Brian Tucker <jbtucker AT driveninc.com>]

Greetings

In 4Q246, written in Aramaic and dating to the turn of the era: "Affliction will come on earth...[ ] and great carnage among countries...[ ] the kings of Assyria [and Egypt...[he] will be great on earth...all will serve...he will be called great...and by his name he will be designated..."Son of God"... (Shanks, Mystery, 69)

John Collins concludes this represents a messianic figure. Geza Vermes disagrees.

Romans 8:14 it says, "All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Galatians 4:4-7 it says, "God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons...You are sons...Through God you are no longer a slave but a son."

What does Paul's usage here reveal about the continuity between Christianity and Judaism, as it pertains to the Messiah (2 Sam. 7:14)? What light can be shown on the issue of "Son of God" from Paul's usage as compared with DSS? The concept of sonship expressed in Paul, is it to be understood in light of the DSS usage or Luke's usage Luke 1:31-35?

If 4Q246 is to be understood as the antichrist, how does this understanding relate to Paul's usage in his writings? I am inclined to think the translation in Wise, Abegg & Cook (p. 269) is correct, but I still am trying to understand the relationship to Paul's thoughts on the usage of "Son of God" and for that matter if one includes apocalyptic understanding of the term does Paul agree?

For reference, here is the translation from Wise, "[...Amid] great [signs], tribulation is coming upon the land. [...After much killing] and slaughter, a prince of nations [will arise...] the king of Assyria and Egypt [...] he will be ruler over the land [...] will be subject to him and all will obey [him]. [also his son] will be called The Great, and be designated by his name. He will be called the Son of God..."

Thank You,
Brian Tucker
music AT riverviewcog.org
Riverview, MI
http://www.riverviewcog.org