Fulfilled through the prophets

Matthew’s use of plēróō to contextualise the Hebrew prophets validates his thesis that Jesus is the Christ, son of David, son of Abraham (1:1).1 To demonstrate this concept, this article examines seven of Matthew’s fulfilment statements (1:22; 2:15; 2:17–18; 4:14–16; 8:17; 12:17–21; 21:4–5) introduced by a varied formula of fulfilled through the prophet(s). The article emphasises the Christological element of Matthew’s thesis, focusing on Jesus as the Messiah. This is accomplished by means of a critical review of seven fulfilment statements, identifying their Christological context to support Matthew’s thesis.