Understanding Chiastic Structure

Chiastic structure (also called chiasmus) is an ancient literary device where concepts are presented in a specific order and then repeated in reverse order, creating a symmetrical, mirror-like pattern. 

The name comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), which looks like an X—visualizing how the structure crosses over itself.

Think of it as a literary mirror where elements reflect each other, or as two witnesses testifying to the same truth from different angles.

The Basic Pattern:

A

  B

    C (Central Point – The Main Message)

  B‘ (Mirrors B)

A‘ (Mirrors A)

The elements mirror each other like reflections, with the central point (C) being the climax—the main emphasis of the passage.

Why Did Biblical Authors Use Chiastic Structure?

This wasn’t just artistic flourish. Chiastic structure served crucial functions:

1. To Highlight the Central Message

In oral cultures (where most people heard Scripture read aloud rather than reading it themselves), chiastic structure helped listeners identify the most important point. The center of the chiasm is the theological or narrative climax—the message everything else points toward.

2. To Create Mutual Verification Through Paired Elements

The paired elements (A with A’, B with B’, etc.) are meant to be read together—like two witnesses confirming the same testimony. 

They illuminate, contrast, or complement each other, creating deeper meaning than either element alone. Each pair acts as a check and balance on the other, preventing misinterpretation.

This is similar to the biblical principle of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1)—but built into the literary structure itself.

3. To Aid Memory and Prevent Corruption

The symmetrical pattern made it easier for people to memorize and recall Scripture accurately before written copies were widely available.

 If someone misquoted or altered one element, the mirrored element would expose the error.

4. To Show Unity and Intentional Design

Chiastic structure demonstrates that the text is carefully composed, not randomly assembled. It shows the author’s deliberate theological purpose and divine inspiration.

A Simple Example: The Mirror Effect

Example 1 – Matthew 23:12:

A – “Whoever exalts himself

  B – will be humbled,

  B‘ – and whoever humbles himself

A‘ – will be exalted.”

Notice how A and A’ mirror each other (exalts/exalted), and B and B’ mirror each other (humbled/humbles). The pattern creates emphasis through repetition and contrast.

This is like having two witnesses testify to the same truth: the first witness says “Exalting yourself leads to humbling,” and the second witness confirms “Humbling yourself leads to exaltation.” They verify each other’s testimony.

Example 2 – Matthew 7:6:

A – “Do not give dogs what is sacred;

  B – do not throw your pearls to pigs.

  B‘ – If you do, they may trample them under their feet,

A‘ – and turn and tear you to pieces.”

The structure mirrors: dogs (A) pairs with “turn and tear you” (A’), and pigs (B) pairs with “trample them” (B’). The chiasm emphasizes both the warning and the consequences.

Example 3 – Mark 2:27:

A – “The Sabbath

  B – was made

    C – for man,

  B‘ – not man

A‘ – for the Sabbath.”

The center (C) is the key point: the Sabbath serves humanity’s needs. The mirrored elements (Sabbath/Sabbath, made for/for) emphasize this central truth by contrasting the wrong priority (man for Sabbath) with the right one (Sabbath for man).

Multiple Levels of Verification

Chiasmus appears at multiple levels throughout Scripture, creating layers of mutual verification:

Level 1: Individual Verses

Example 1 – Proverbs 16:33:

A – “The lot is cast into the lap,

  B – but its every decision

A‘ – is from the LORD.”

Example 2 – Isaiah 55:8:

A – “For my thoughts

  B – are not your thoughts,

  B‘ – neither are your ways

A‘ – my ways,” declares the LORD.

The parallel structure (thoughts/thoughts, ways/ways) emphasizes the complete distinction between God’s wisdom and human wisdom.

Example 3 – Joel 3:16:

A – “The LORD will roar from Zion

  B – and thunder from Jerusalem;

    C – the earth and the heavens will tremble.

  B‘ – But the LORD will be a refuge for his people,

A‘ – a stronghold for the people of Israel.”

The center (C) describes the cosmic impact. The outer elements contrast God’s judgment (roar/thunder) with His protection (refuge/stronghold) for His people.

Level 2: Paragraphs and Passages

Example 1 – Mark 2:1-12 (Healing of the Paralytic):

A – Jesus returns to Capernaum; crowd gathers (v. 1–2)

  B – Four men bring paralytic; can’t get through crowd (v. 3-4)

    C – “Son, your sins are forgiven” (v. 5)

      D – Teachers of law question in their hearts (v. 6–7)

        E – “Why do you question in your hearts?” (v. 8)

          F – “Which is easier: to say ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or ‘Get up and walk’?” (v. 9) [CENTRAL POINT]

        E’ – “But that you may know the Son of Man has authority…” (v. 10)

      D’ – Jesus addresses the paralytic (v. 11)

    C’ – “Get up, take your mat and go home” (v. 11)

  B’ – The man gets up and walks out (v. 12a)

A’ – Everyone amazed and praises God (v. 12b)

The central point: Jesus has authority to forgive sins (spiritual) AND heal (physical)—demonstrating His divine authority. Each paired element confirms this truth from a different angle.

Example 2 – Psalm 51:1-17 (David’s Confession):

A – Appeal for mercy based on God’s character (v. 1-2)

  B – Confession of sin (v. 3–6)

    C – Prayer for cleansing (v. 7–9)

      D – “Create in me a pure heart, O God” (v. 10) [CENTRAL POINT]

    C’ – Prayer for restoration (v. 11-12)

  B’ – Promise to teach transgressors (v. 13-15)

A’ – Appeal for acceptance of sacrifice (v. 16-17)

The center is David’s desperate plea for inner transformation. The structure shows that true repentance moves from confession (B) through transformation (D) to restoration and witness (B’).

Example 3 – Genesis 6:10-9:19 (Noah’s Flood):

A – Noah and his sons (6:10)

  B – All life on earth (6:13, 17)

    C – Entering the ark (7:1–9)

      D – Seven days waiting (7:10)

        E – The flood begins (7:11–16)

          F – Waters rise 150 days (7:17-24) [CENTRAL POINT]

        E’ – God remembers Noah; waters recede (8:1–5)

      D’ – Seven days waiting (8:10–12)

    C’ – Leaving the ark (8:15–19)

  B‘ – All life preserved (8:20–9:17)

A‘ – Noah and his sons (9:18–19)

The center (F) is the peak of the flood—150 days of judgment. The structure emphasizes God’s sovereignty: He brings judgment (E) and remembers His people (E’), He commands entry (C) and exit (C’), He preserves life through destruction.

Level 3: Entire Books

Example 1 – The Book of Jonah:

A – Jonah flees from God’s call (Ch. 1)

  B – Jonah prays from the fish (Ch. 2)

    C – God’s mercy to Nineveh (Ch. 3) [CENTRAL POINT]

  B’ – Jonah prays under the plant (Ch. 4:1-4)

A’ – Jonah learns about God’s compassion (Ch. 4:5-11)

The message: God’s compassion extends even to those we think don’t deserve it. The structure itself testifies to this truth through mirrored elements.

Example 2 – The Book of Ruth:

A – Naomi leaves Bethlehem in fullness, returns in emptiness (Ch. 1)

  B – Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field; he shows kindness (Ch. 2)

    C – Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor (Ch. 3) [CENTRAL POINT]

  B‘ – Boaz redeems Ruth; community celebrates (Ch. 4:1–12)

A‘ – Naomi’s emptiness filled; Ruth gives birth to Obed (Ch. 4:13–17)

The center is Ruth’s bold act of faith. The structure shows God’s redemption: from emptiness (A) to fullness (A’), from gleaning (B) to inheritance (B’), from foreigner to ancestor of David—and ultimately, Jesus.

Example 3 – The Book of Esther:

A – Esther becomes queen (Ch. 1–2)

  B – Haman‘s plot to destroy the Jews (Ch. 3)

    C – Mordecai’s appeal to Esther (Ch. 4)

      D – Esther’s first banquet (Ch. 5:1-8)

        E – The turning point: Haman’s pride and the king’s sleepless night (Ch. 5:9-6:14) [CENTRAL POINT]

      D’ – Esther’s second banquet (Ch. 7)

    C’ – Mordecai‘s elevation (Ch. 8)

  B’ – Jews‘ deliverance from their enemies (Ch. 9)

A’ – Mordecai becomes second to the king (Ch. 10)

The center is the dramatic reversal: Haman’s pride leads to his downfall, the king’s sleepless night leads to Mordecai’s honor. The structure emphasizes divine providence working through human events: what was meant for destruction (B) becomes deliverance (B’), the threatened people (C) are elevated (C’), and the powerless queen (A) becomes the instrument of salvation (A’).

Level 4: Collections of Books

Example 1 – The Five Books of Moses (Pentateuch):

A – Genesis: Creation and beginnings; God’s promises to the patriarchs

  B – Exodus: Deliverance from slavery; covenant at Sinai

    C – Leviticus: Holiness and worship; how to approach God [CENTRAL POINT]

  B‘ – Numbers: Wilderness wandering; covenant renewal

A‘ – Deuteronomy: New beginning; covenant restatement before entering the Promised Land

The center is Leviticus—how a holy God dwells with His people. The structure shows: God creates (A) and recreates (A’), He delivers (B) and sustains (B’), and at the center is the pattern for worship that makes relationship possible.

Example 2 – The Gospel of Matthew (Five Discourses):

A – Prologue: Birth and preparation (Ch. 1-4)

  B – Discourse 1: Sermon on the Mount—ethics of the Kingdom (Ch. 5-7)

    C – Narrative: Miracles and mission (Ch. 8-10)

      D – Discourse 2: Responses to Jesus (Ch. 11-13:52)

        E – Discourse 3: Parables of the Kingdom (Ch. 13) [CENTRAL POINT]

      D’ – Narrative: Peter’s confession; transfiguration (Ch. 13:53-17:27)

    C’ – Discourse 4: Community life (Ch. 18-23)

  B’ – Discourse 5: Olivet Discourse—eschatology of the Kingdom (Ch. 24-25)

A’ – Epilogue: Death and resurrection (Ch. 26-28)

The center is the Parables of the Kingdom—understanding vs. not understanding. The structure shows: Jesus comes (A) and returns (A’), He teaches how to live now (B) and how to be ready for the end (B’), and at the center is the question of who truly understands the Kingdom.

Example 3 – The Entire Biblical Narrative:

A – Creation and Fall (Genesis 1–3)

  B – Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12)

    C – Law given at Sinai (Exodus-Deuteronomy)

      D – Kingdom established under David (2 Samuel)

        E – Exile and judgment (2 Kings, Prophets)

          F – JESUS CHRIST—God with us (Gospels) [CENTRAL POINT]

        E‘ – Church scattered and persecuted (Acts)

      D’ – Kingdom of God proclaimed (Acts-Epistles)

    C‘ – New Covenant in Christ’s blood (Hebrews)

  B‘ – Promise to Abraham fulfilled in Christ (Galatians)

A’ – New Creation and Paradise Restored (Revelation 21–22)

The center is Jesus Christ—God’s ultimate revelation and redemption. The structure shows: God creates (A) and recreates (A’), He makes covenants (B, C) and fulfills them (C’, B’), He establishes kingdoms (D) and proclaims the eternal Kingdom (D’), and at the center is the One who makes it all possible.

Example 4 – The Seven Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls (Revelation 6-16):

The three series of judgments form a chiastic pattern:

A – The Seven Seals (Revelation 6:1-8:5)

    – Judgments begin

    – Four horsemen (conquest, war, famine, death)

    – Martyrs cry out “How long?”

    – Cosmic signs: sun darkened, moon blood–red

    – Silence in heaven for half an hour

  B – The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:6-11:19)

      – Judgments intensify (one–third destroyed)

      – Earth, sea, rivers, heavens affected

      – Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of earth

      – The little scroll: bitter in stomach, sweet in mouth

      – Two witnesses prophesy, are killed, resurrected

      

    C – Interlude: The Woman, Child, and Dragon (Revelation 12-14) [CENTRAL POINT]

        – The cosmic conflict revealed

        – Satan cast down from heaven

        – War against the saints

        – The beast from the sea and earth

        – The 144,000 with the Lamb on Mount Zion

        – Three angels proclaim eternal gospel and judgment

        – Harvest of the earth

        

  B‘ – The Seven Bowls (Revelation 15:1-16:21)

      – Judgments completed (total destruction)

      – Earth, sea, rivers, sun affected

      – No more delay—”It is done!”

      – Babylon’s fall announced

      – Kings of the earth gather for battle

      

A‘ – The Fall of Babylon and Final Victory (Revelation 17-20)

    – Judgments culminate

    – The great prostitute judged

    – Kings mourn Babylon’s fall

    – Beast and false prophet thrown into lake of fire

    – Satan bound, then released, then thrown into lake of fire

    – Final judgment: books opened

The center (C) reveals the spiritual reality behind the physical judgments: This is cosmic warfare between God and Satan, Christ and the dragon, the church and the beast. The judgments (A, B, B’, A’) are the outworking of this spiritual conflict.

The structure shows:

• Judgments begin (A) and culminate (A’)
• Partial destruction (B) leads to complete destruction (B’)
• At the center: the reason for judgment—Satan’s rebellion and persecution of God’s people

Example 5 – The Messages to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3):

The seven messages form a chiastic pattern:

A – Ephesus (2:1–7): Lost first love

    – Warning: “Repent or I will remove your lampstand”

    – Promise: “To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life”

  B – Smyrna (2:8–11): Faithful in persecution

      – “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer”

      – “Be faithful, even to the point of death”

      – Promise: “The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death”

    C – Pergamum (2:12–17): Compromising with false teaching

        – “You live where Satan has his throne”

        – “Yet you remain true to my name”

        – Warning: “Repent or I will come and fight against them with the sword”

        – Promise: “Hidden manna and a white stone with a new name”

      D – Thyatira (2:18–29): Tolerating Jezebel [CENTRAL POINT]

          – Longest message

          – “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance”

          – BUT: “You tolerate that woman Jezebel”

          – Warning: Judgment on Jezebel and her followers

          – Promise: “Authority over the nations” and “the morning star”

          – “Hold on to what you have until I come”

    C’ – Sardis (3:1-6): Dead reputation, few faithful

        – “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead”

        – “Wake up! Strengthen what remains”

        – Warning: “I will come like a thief”

        – Promise: “Dressed in white… I will never blot out their names from the book of life”

  B’ – Philadelphia (3:7-13): Faithful with little strength

      – “You have little strength, yet you have kept my word”

      – “I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan acknowledge you”

      – Promise: “I will keep you from the hour of trial… I will make them a pillar in the temple”

A’ – Laodicea (3:14-22): Lukewarm, self-satisfied

    – Warning: “I am about to spit you out of my mouth”

    – “You say, ‘I am rich,’ but you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”

    – Promise: “To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne”

The center (D – Thyatira) is the longest message and addresses the most serious internal problem: tolerating false teaching that leads God’s servants into sexual immorality and idolatry. This is the heart of Jesus’ concern—not external persecution, but internal compromise.

The structure shows:

• Loss of love (A) mirrors lukewarmness (A’)—both are internal spiritual decline
• Faithful in persecution (B) mirrors faithful with little strength (B’)—both face external pressure but remain true
• Compromise with false teaching (C) mirrors dead reputation (C’)—both have internal corruption
• At the center: the danger of tolerating false teaching that destroys from within

This chiastic structure reveals Jesus’ priorities: He’s more concerned about internal compromise and false teaching than external persecution. The churches that are suffering (Smyrna, Philadelphia) receive no rebuke, only encouragement. But the churches that are comfortable and compromising (Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea) receive strong warnings.

Example 6 – The Entire Book of Revelation:

The book as a whole forms a grand chiastic structure:

A – Prologue: John’s Vision of Christ (1:1-20)

    – “The revelation from Jesus Christ”

    – John sees the risen Christ among the lampstands

    – “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last”

    – Christ holds the seven stars (angels of the churches)

  B – Letters to the Seven Churches (2:1–3:22)

      – Messages to churches in Asia Minor

      – Warnings, rebukes, encouragements

      – “To the one who overcomes…”

      – “Whoever has ears, let them hear”

    C – The Throne Room Vision (4:1–5:14)

        – Door opened in heaven

        – God on the throne, worshiped by 24 elders and four living creatures

        – The sealed scroll

        – “Who is worthy to open the scroll?”

        – The Lamb who was slain—“Worthy is the Lamb!”

      D – The Seven Seals (6:1–8:5)

          – Four horsemen

          – Martyrs under the altar: “How long, Sovereign Lord?”

          – 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel

          – Great multitude from every nation

        E – The Seven Trumpets (8:6–11:19)

            – Judgments on earth, sea, rivers, heavens

            – Woe, woe, woe

            – The little scroll: sweet in mouth, bitter in stomach

            – Two witnesses: killed, resurrected, ascended

          F – The Woman, Dragon, and Beasts (12:1–14:20) [CENTRAL POINT]

              – The cosmic conflict revealed

              – Woman clothed with the sun gives birth

              – Dragon cast down, makes war on her offspring

              – Beast from the sea (political power)

              – Beast from the earth (false prophet)

              – 144,000 with the Lamb on Mount Zion

              – Three angels: eternal gospel, Babylon fallen, judgment

              – “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord”

              – Harvest of the earth

        E’ – The Seven Bowls (15:1-16:21)

            – Final judgments: “It is done!”

            – God’s wrath completed

            – Euphrates dried up

            – Kings gather for Armageddon

            – Greatest earthquake ever

      D’ – The Fall of Babylon and Final Victory (17:1-20:15)

          – The great prostitute judged

          – “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!”

          – Rejoicing in heaven

          – Christ returns on white horse: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”

          – Beast and false prophet thrown into lake of fire

          – Satan bound 1,000 years, then released, then thrown into lake of fire

          – Final judgment: books opened, death and Hades thrown into lake of fire

    C’ – The New Heaven and New Earth (21:1-22:5)

        – New Jerusalem descends from heaven

        – God dwells with His people

        – “I am making everything new!”

        – No more death, mourning, crying, pain

        – The river of life, the tree of life

        – They will reign forever and ever

  B’ – Epilogue: Final Warnings and Invitations (22:6-17)

      – “These words are trustworthy and true”

      – “I am coming soon!”

      – Warnings: Do not add to or take away from this prophecy

      – Invitations: “Come!” “Let the one who is thirsty come”

A’ – Conclusion: Jesus’ Final Promise (22:18-21)

    – Final warning about the prophecy

    – “Yes, I am coming soon”

    – “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”

    – “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen”

The center (F) reveals the spiritual reality behind all the visions: This is a cosmic war between Christ and Satan, the church and the dragon, truth and deception. Everything else in Revelation—the judgments, the fall of Babylon, the new creation—flows from this central conflict.

The structure shows:

• Christ among His churches (A) mirrors Christ returning for His bride (A’)
• Messages to churches facing trials (B) mirror final warnings and invitations (B’)
• The sealed scroll and the Lamb (C) mirror the opened scroll and the new creation (C’)
• Sealing and protection of God’s people (D) mirror final judgment and vindication (D’)
• Partial judgments (E) mirror complete judgments (E’)
• At the center: The reason for everything—Satan’s rebellion, his war against the church, and Christ’s ultimate victory

This chiastic structure reveals the book’s main message: Despite appearances, Christ is sovereign. The persecution, the beasts, the false prophet, Babylon—all are under God’s control and will be judged. The church may suffer now (the woman flees to the wilderness), but victory is certain (the Lamb stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000). The center assures persecuted believers: Your suffering has meaning. This is cosmic warfare, and Christ has already won.

The Chiastic Structure of Matthew’s Gospel

Understanding where the Wise and Faithful Servant parable fits in Matthew’s overall structure reveals something crucial: it’s not an isolated prophecy about one person, but part of a carefully structured teaching about readiness and discernment.

Matthew’s Five-Discourse Structure:

The Gospel of Matthew is organized around five major teaching sections (discourses), each ending with a similar formula: “When Jesus had finished saying these things…” 

This creates a macro-chiastic structure:

A – PROLOGUE: Birth and Preparation of the Messiah (Chapters 1–4)

    – “Immanuel” – God with us (1:23)

  B – DISCOURSE 1: Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5–7)

      – Ethics of the Kingdom: How to live NOW

      – ENDS: “Build your house on the rock” (7:24–27)   

    C – NARRATIVE: Miracles and Mission (Chapters 8–9)       

      D – DISCOURSE 2: Mission Discourse (Chapter 10)         

        E – NARRATIVE: Responses to Jesus (Chapters 11–12)     

          F – DISCOURSE 3: Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13) [CENTRAL SECTION]

              – “The kingdom of heaven is like…”

              – Understanding vs. not understanding       

        E’ – NARRATIVE: Responses to Jesus Continue (Chapters 14-17)

            – Peter’s confession: “You are the Messiah”            

      D’ – DISCOURSE 4: Community Discourse (Chapter 18)          

    C’ – NARRATIVE: Journey to Jerusalem (Chapters 19-22)        

  B’ – DISCOURSE 5: Olivet Discourse (Chapters 23-25)

      – Eschatology of the Kingdom: How to be ready for the END

      – INCLUDES: “Wise and Faithful Servant” (24:45–51)      

A’ – EPILOGUE: Death and Resurrection of the Messiah (Chapters 26-28)

    – “I am with you always” (28:20)

The Chiastic Pair: Sermon on the Mount ↔ Olivet Discourse

Notice the mirror structure:

B – Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7):

• Ethics of the Kingdom
• How to live as Kingdom citizens NOW
• Ends with: The Wise Builder parable (7:24-27)

B’ – Olivet Discourse (Chapters 23-25):

• Eschatology of the Kingdom
• How to be ready for the Kingdom’s CONSUMMATION
• Includes: The Wise and Faithful Servant parable (24:45-51)

These two discourses mirror each other like two witnesses:

• First witness (B): Here’s how to live faithfully NOW
• Second witness (B’): Here’s how to remain faithful until the END

Both emphasize the same truth: Hearing/knowing is not enough—you must DO. Both warn that position doesn’t guarantee outcome. Both teach that everyone will be tested.

The Chiastic Structure of the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25)

Now let’s examine the internal structure of the Olivet Discourse itself, where the Wise and Faithful Servant parable appears:

A – INTRODUCTION: The Disciples’ Question (24:1-3)

    “When will these things happen?”

    “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

  B – WARNING: Don’t Be Deceived by False Messiahs (24:4-14)

      “Watch out that no one deceives you”

      “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah'”

      “False prophets will appear and deceive many people”

    C – THE ABOMINATION AND GREAT TRIBULATION (24:15–28)

        “When you see… ‘the abomination that causes desolation'”

        “False messiahs and false prophets will appear”

        “If anyone tells you, ‘There he is!’ do not go out”

      D – THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN (24:29-31) [CENTRAL POINT]

          “The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky”

          “All the nations of the earth will mourn”

          “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds”

          “With power and great glory”

          “He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call”

    C’ – PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE (24:32-35)

        “Learn this lesson from the fig tree”

        “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”

  B’ – PARABLES ABOUT READINESS AND JUDGMENT (24:36-25:46)   

      Five parables teaching: Be ready, be faithful, be watching      

1. 1. The Days of Noah (24:36–44)
2. 2. The Wise and Faithful Servant (24:45-51) ← SHINCHEONJI FOCUSES HERE
3. 3. The Ten Virgins (25:1–13)
4. 4. The Talents (25:14–30)
5. 5. The Sheep and the Goats (25:31–46)

A’ – CONCLUSION: The Passion Narrative Begins (26:1-2)

    “When Jesus had finished saying all these things…”

    “The Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified”

The Devastating Discovery

Here’s where the structure becomes devastating for Shincheonji’s claims:

The Wise and Faithful Servant parable (24:45-51) is located in Section B’—the parables about readiness and judgment.

Its chiastic pair—its mirror reflection, its second witness—is Section B: The warning against false messiahs and false prophets.

Let’s examine what these two mirrored sections teach:

B – Warning Against False Messiahs (24:4-14, 23-26):

Matthew 24:4-5:

“Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many.'”

Matthew 24:11:

“And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”

Matthew 24:23-26:

“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 

See, I have told you ahead of time. So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.”

B’ – The Wise and Faithful Servant (24:45-51):

Matthew 24:45-51:

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns… But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him…”

The Mirror Reveals the Truth: What the Chiastic Pair Teaches

When you understand that these two sections mirror each other—like two witnesses testifying to the same truth—the warning becomes unmistakable:

The pairing of B (warning against false messiahs) and B’ (parables about readiness, including the wicked servant) creates a double warning:

1. External Threat (B):

• False messiahs will come claiming special authority
• They will say “Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!”
• They will perform signs and wonders to deceive
• Don’t believe them—don’t go to them

2. Internal Threat (B’):

• Even servants put in positions of authority can become wicked
• They can abuse their authority (“beat his fellow servants”)
• They can assume they won’t be held accountable (“My master is staying away”)
• Be watchful—even leaders can fall

The chiastic structure creates mutual verification:

• First witness (B) warns: Don’t believe anyone who claims special authority based on private revelation
• Second witness (B’) warns: Even those in positions of authority can become corrupt
• Together they testify: Be discerning about claims of special authority, and maintain accountability for leaders

The Devastating Application to Shincheonji

When you understand the chiastic structure, Shincheonji’s interpretation of the Wise and Faithful Servant parable is structurally paired with Jesus’ warning against false messiahs and false prophets.

This is not coincidental. This is by design.

Jesus warns (Section B):

“If anyone tells you, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it”

“If anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it”

Shincheonji claims (using Section B’):

“Lee Man-hee is the faithful and wise servant”

“He witnessed the fulfillment at the Tabernacle Temple”

“You must come to Shincheonji to receive the opened word”

“He is the vessel through whom Jesus works”

Do you see the problem?

The very section Shincheonji uses to identify Lee Man-hee as having special authority is chiastic paired—structurally mirrored—with Jesus’ warning not to believe anyone who claims “Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!”

It’s as if Scripture built in its own verification system, and that system is flashing a warning: Don’t believe this interpretation.

The Central Point That Destroys the Timeline Claim

Remember, in chiastic structure, the central point (D) is the main emphasis—the climax of the entire discourse.

The Central Point of the Olivet Discourse:

Matthew 24:29-31:

“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”

This is the theological climax of Jesus’ entire discourse. Everything else in Matthew 24-25 points to this moment.

Characteristics of Jesus’ Return (The Central Point):

1. Visible to all: “They will see” (not just one person)
2. Sign in the sky: “The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky” (not hidden in one person’s body)
3. Universal visibility: “All the nations of the earth will mourn” (not secret)
4. Powerful and glorious: “With power and great glory” (not invisible)
5. Angelic accompaniment: “He will send his angels” (not just spiritual union with one person)
6. Universal gathering: “From the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (not just Korea)

Shincheonji’s Timeline Claim:

According to Shincheonji teaching, Jesus “came in spirit” and visited Lee Man-hee in the fall of 1977. This spiritual encounter, they claim, marked the beginning of Jesus working through Lee Man-hee as His vessel—the fulfillment of Jesus’ “second coming.”

But did any of the characteristics described in the central point happen in the fall of 1977?

• Did the sign of the Son of Man appear in the sky? No.
• Did all nations see Him coming? No.
• Did angels gather the elect from all over the earth? No.
• Did the world mourn? No.
• Was there power and great glory visible to all? No.

What actually happened in the fall of 1977, according to Shincheonji?

• Jesus (in spirit) visited Lee Man-hee (in flesh)
• This was invisible, known only to Lee Man-hee
• No one else witnessed it
• It was a private, spiritual event

This is the exact opposite of what Jesus described in the central point of His discourse.

The chiastic structure makes it impossible to spiritualize or reinterpret this away. This is the climax of the entire discourse. Everything points to this moment.

If you accept Shincheonji’s interpretation, you must:

• Ignore the central point of the discourse
• Reinterpret “they will see” to mean “only one person will experience”
• Reinterpret “in the sky” to mean “in spirit”
• Reinterpret “all nations” to mean “one person in Korea”
• Reinterpret “with power and great glory” to mean “invisibly”
• Reinterpret “angels will gather the elect” to mean “Lee Man-hee will establish an organization”

But the chiastic structure won’t allow this. The central point is meant to be the clearest, most emphasized, most unmistakable part of the teaching.

You can’t reinterpret the climax without destroying the entire structure.

The Gospel-Level Chiastic Pair

There’s another level of chiastic pairing that further exposes Shincheonji’s error:

In Matthew’s overall Gospel structure, the Wise and Faithful Servant parable (end of Discourse 5) pairs with the Wise Builder parable (end of Discourse 1).

The Wise Builder Parable (Matthew 7:24-27):

Matthew 7:24-27:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

The Chiastic Connection: Two Witnesses to the Same Truth

B – Wise Builder (Matthew 7:24-27):

• Theme: Hearing and doing Jesus’ words
• Wise person: Hears Jesus’ words AND puts them into practice
• Foolish person: Hears Jesus’ words but does NOT put them into practice
• Test: The storm comes—rain, streams, winds
• Result: The wise person’s house stands; the foolish person’s house falls

B’ – Wise and Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-51):

• Theme: Faithfulness while waiting for the master’s return
• Wise servant: Gives food at the proper time, found faithful when master returns
• Wicked servant: Beats fellow servants, eats and drinks with drunkards
• Test: The master returns unexpectedly
• Result: The wise servant is rewarded; the wicked servant is judged

What the Pairing Reveals: Like Two Witnesses Confirming Each Other

Both parables mirror each other, testifying to the same truths:

1. Both Contrast Wise and Foolish/Wicked

2. Both Emphasize Doing, Not Just Hearing/Knowing

• Wise Builder: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice”
• Wise Servant: The servant is found “doing so when he returns”

The emphasis is on action, not just knowledge or claims.

Application to Shincheonji:

• Shincheonji emphasizes knowing the “opened word”
• Shincheonji emphasizes understanding the correct interpretation
• But Jesus emphasizes doing—putting His words into practice

3. Both Warn That the Test Will Come

• Wise Builder: The storm will test the foundation
• Wise Servant: The master’s return will test the servant’s faithfulness

The test is inevitable. What matters is what you’ve built your life on.

4. Both Address All Believers, Not Just One Person

• Wise Builder: “Everyone who hears these words of mine…”
• Wise Servant: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant?” (question, not declaration)

Neither parable identifies one specific person. Both address all believers.

The Three-Level Chiastic Warning

Now we can see that the chiastic structure provides three levels of warning against Shincheonji’s interpretation—like three witnesses all testifying to the same truth:

Level 1: Within the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25)

B – Warning Against False Messiahs (24:4-14, 23-26)

↔ [MIRRORS] ↔

B’ – Wise and Faithful Servant Parable (24:45-51)

First Witness: Don’t believe anyone who says “Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!”—and even servants in authority can become wicked.

Level 2: Within the Gospel of Matthew

B – Wise Builder: Build on Rock (7:24-27)

↔ [MIRRORS] ↔

B’ – Wise and Faithful Servant (24:45-51)

Second Witness: Hearing is not enough—you must do. Everyone must build on the foundation of Jesus’ words, not on one person’s interpretation.

Level 3: The Central Points of Both Structures

Olivet Discourse Central Point (D): The Coming of the Son of Man (24:29-31)

• Visible, unmistakable, powerful, glorious
• Not hidden, not secret, not in one person

Gospel of Matthew Central Point (F): Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)

• “The kingdom of heaven is like…”
• Understanding that comes from God, not human interpretation
• “Whoever has ears, let them hear”

Third Witness: Jesus’ authority and glory will be unmistakable. True understanding comes from God through the Spirit, not through one person’s exclusive interpretation.

What the Parables Actually Teach (In Full Chiastic Context)

The Wise Builder (Matthew 7:24-27)

What it actually teaches:

• Hearing Jesus’ words is not enough—You must put them into practice
• Everyone who hears must choose: Build on rock or sand
• The test will come—Storms will reveal your foundation
• The foundation is Jesus’ words—Not human interpretation, not organizational membership

What it does NOT teach:

• That one person is “the wise builder”
• That you must accept one person’s interpretation to build on rock
• That organizational membership is the foundation

The Wise and Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-51)

What it actually teaches:

• It’s a question, not a declaration—”Who then is the faithful and wise servant?”
• It’s about ongoing faithfulness—Being found faithful when the master returns
• It’s addressed to all believers—Especially those in positions of responsibility
• It includes a warning—Even servants in authority can become wicked
• It’s part of a series—Five parables all teaching: Be ready, be faithful, be watching

What it does NOT teach:

• That one specific person is “the faithful and wise servant”
• That you must identify this person to receive spiritual food
• That this person has exclusive authority to interpret Scripture
• That this person is immune to the warning about becoming wicked

The Parables Together: Two Witnesses Confirming the Same Truth

When you read the Wise Builder and Wise Servant parables as chiastic pairs—as two witnesses testifying to the same truth—the message is unmistakable:

1. Hearing/Knowing is Not Enough

• Wise Builder: Hear AND do
• Wise Servant: Be faithful AND ready

2. Everyone Must Choose

• Wise Builder: Rock or sand?
• Wise Servant: Faithful or wicked?

3. The Test Will Come

• Wise Builder: The storm will test your foundation
• Wise Servant: The master’s return will test your faithfulness

4. What You Build On Matters

• Wise Builder: Build on Jesus’ words
• Wise Servant: Be faithful to the master’s instructions

5. Position/Authority Doesn’t Guarantee Outcome

• Wise Builder: Hearing Jesus’ teaching doesn’t guarantee your house will stand
• Wise Servant: Being put in charge doesn’t guarantee you’ll remain faithful

Summary

Understanding chiastic structure reveals that Scripture has built-in protection against false interpretation:

1. The Central Point is Unmistakable

The center of the chiasm is the main message. In the Olivet Discourse, it’s Jesus’ visible, powerful, glorious return that all will see. This cannot be reinterpreted as an invisible spiritual union with one person in 1977.

2. The Paired Elements Verify Each Other

Like two witnesses, the paired elements confirm the same truth from different angles. The Wise Servant parable is paired with warnings against false messiahs—exposing anyone who uses it to claim special authority.

3. The Structure Prevents Isolated Interpretation

You cannot isolate one element without destroying the whole structure. Shincheonji’s interpretation requires ignoring:

• The central point (Jesus’ unmistakable return)
• The chiastic pair (warnings against false messiahs)
• The Gospel-level pair (Wise Builder emphasizing doing, not just knowing)

4. Multiple Levels Create Multiple Witnesses

The three levels of chiastic structure (within the discourse, within the Gospel, and the central points) all testify against Shincheonji’s interpretation—like three witnesses all giving the same testimony.

The Devastating Questions the Chiastic Structure Raises

1. If the central point of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse is His visible, unmistakable return that all nations will see, how can it have already happened invisibly in the fall of 1977?

2. If the Wise Servant parable is chiastic paired with warnings against false messiahs who say “Here he is!” or “There he is!”, why does Shincheonji use it to identify one person as having special authority?

3. If the Wise Servant parable is chiastic paired with the Wise Builder parable (which teaches that everyone must hear AND do Jesus’ words), why does Shincheonji emphasize knowing the “opened word” over doing Jesus’ words?

4. If both parables teach that the test will come (the storm, the master’s return), and if even servants in authority can become wicked, what mechanism exists in Shincheonji for accountability?

5. If Jesus phrased it as a question (“Who then is the faithful and wise servant?”), why does Shincheonji treat it as a declaration identifying one specific person?

6. If the parable is part of a series of five parables all teaching the same theme (be ready, be faithful, be watching), why does Shincheonji isolate it as proof of Lee Man-hee’s unique authority?

7. If the chiastic structure is meant to help us understand Scripture correctly by providing built-in verification through mirrored elements, and if Shincheonji’s interpretation contradicts the chiastic structure at multiple levels, what does that tell us about their interpretation?

Conclusion: The Mirror Reveals the Truth

Chiastic structure functions like a mirror—or like two witnesses—where paired elements reflect and verify each other. When you understand this structure, you discover that:

The very parable Shincheonji uses to claim Lee Man-hee is “the faithful and wise servant” is structurally paired with Jesus’ explicit warnings against believing anyone who claims “Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!”

It’s as if Scripture built in its own verification system, and that system is exposing the error.

The chiastic structure protects biblical truth by:

• Highlighting the central message (Jesus’ unmistakable return)
• Creating mutual verification through paired elements (warnings against false claims)
• Preventing isolated interpretation (you must read the whole structure)
• Providing multiple levels of witness (three levels all testifying to the same truth)

God’s pattern throughout Scripture is distribution, verification, and accountability. The chiastic structure embodies this pattern—distributing truth across mirrored elements, providing verification through paired witnesses, and creating accountability by making isolated interpretation impossible.

Shincheonji’s interpretation violates this pattern at every level.

The mirror has spoken. The witnesses have testified. The structure has exposed the deception.