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Abstract
The near consensus opinion that the author of Hebrews was not directly influenced by Philo needs to be reevaluated. Even though there are no obvious cases of borrowing, the cumulative weight of the evidence indicates a more linear relationship than what may be accounted for by situating them both within Hellenistic Judaism. A number of parallels are sufficiently detailed to suggest direct dependence. These parallels are of a formal character, such as the metaphor of the dagger and the particular use of the terms
Abstract
A consensus of opinion exists among scholars that Paul appears to contradict himself in 1 Cor 10:17–22: on the one hand, he makes clear that idols have no existence beyond the material objects themselves ; on the other hand, he appears to warn the Corinthians that they are exposing themselves to a dangerous metaphysical reality, namely demons (i.e., evil supernatural beings), by taking part in pagan cults. This supposed non sequitur is generally resolved by claiming that Paul adheres to two Jewish traditions simultaneously. The Jewish witnesses, however, do not support such a conclusion. In fact, the Jewish sources offer an alternative solution to this supposed problem, namely that Paul uses the word
Abstract
Pauline scholars have long analysed the Jerusalem collection described in 1 Cor 16:1–4, 2 Cor 8–9 and Rom 15:25–29 to unveil Paul’s motivations, but only recently have they considered the economic implications and ramifications of the long-distance gift. Some have tried to associate the long-distance gift with several socio-economic contexts, such as economic inequality, prevalent poverty, patronage and/or gift exchange. This article, however, brings economic fluctuations to the fore to explicate 2 Cor 8:1–15 (esp. vv. 10–15), arguing that Paul’s chief rhetorical inducement to the Corinthians is the practical benefit of increasing their long-term resilience and survivability against the mutable economies facing most ordinary people through balanced exchanges among those of various economic statuses.
Abstract
This article explores the usage of plural
Abstract
In this contribution the author will proceed in three steps. First, he will raise questions about the various rhetorical approaches one might follow in order to study the argumentative development of Galatians, considering the different methodological options. Second, he will offer a survey of existing rhetorical research on Galatians. Then he will seek to outline the argumentative structure and development of Galatians, in order to understand what is really at stake in this Pauline letter. At the end it will be proven that the literary rhetorical approach in studying Galatians is highly useful for a deep understanding of the text of the letter and its aim: Paul wants to re-evangelise the addressees.