Mobilizing Matthew among the Marginalized

Thirty Years of Community-based Bible Study in South Africa

Abstract

This article documents and reflects on how Matthew’s gospel has been a resource for church and community-based Bible study in South Africa. The Ujamaa Centre has worked with Matthew’s gospel for more than thirty years, recognizing Matthew’s own theological contribution as well as Matthew’s preservation of the theology of the source texts he uses in his gospel. Through Contextual Bible Study, socially engaged biblical scholars have served and collaborated with local African communities of the poor and marginalized in re-reading Matthew’s gospel for social transformation.