Rhetoric and Galatians: Assessing an Approach to Paul's Epistle

by Philip H. Kern

Overview

This study discusses the relationship between the epistles of Paul and classical rhetoric by focusing on recent studies of Galatians. The argument, built on a close reading of handbook evidence, receives support from a survey of the Church Fathers' discussions of the nature of New Testament Greek. Philip Kern concludes that Paul did not write according to the conventions of oratory and that therefore the ancient handbooks can contribute little to the interpretation of his epistles.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521631174
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/03/1998
Series:	Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series , #101
Pages:	322
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.87(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; List of abbreviations; 1. Introduction; 2. Towards a definition of rhetoric; 3. Methods of rhetorical analysis and Galatians; 4. Rhetorical structure and Galatians; 5. Rhetorical species and Galatians; 6. The language of Paul's Letters 1. As evaluated by early Christian writers; 7. The language of Paul's Letters 2. The contribution of modern studies; 8. Conclusions; Select bibliography; Index of subjects; Index of modern authors.

Editorial Reviews

"A thorough study of the rhetorical handbooks is followed by an application of the findings to Galatians." Interpretation

"...Kern presents a thoughtful critique of ancient rhetorical methodology as applied to Paul's letters." Review of Biblical Literature

"Scholars in several fields will find Rhetoric and Galatians a valuable resource, with its detailed but very readable definitions and discussions of current scholarship. Kern's study provides an up-to-date map of the territory, an innovative arrangment of the questions that should be addressed, and sound proposals for the directions of further inquiry." —Rhetorical Review

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