Crucifixion and new creation : the strategic purpose of Galatians 6.11-17 / : the strategic purpose of Galatians 6.11-17

This book provides an interpretation of Galatians 6:11-17 which yields significant insights about Paul's perception of the crisis in Galatia, and the solution he presents to his readers in light of it. In the first section of the book, the epistolary form and function of Galatians 6:11-17 are analysed. Revealed as a body-closing, it works to sharpen and complete Paul's message by spelling out his motivation for writing and establishing the basis for further communication with his readers. The theme of persecution in the letter is then seen rendered both explicitly and implicitly through the examination of pertinent passages. These indicate that all parties involved share some connection to persecution. Finally, an exegetical analysis of Galatians 6:11-17 reveals Paul's claim that the agitators' primary motive is to avoid persecution ‘because of the cross of Christ.’ He contrasts them with himself by ‘boasting’ in that same cross. The net effect is that Paul draws on both the redemptive moment of Jesus' death, and the ongoing cross-shaped life he lives, to validate his apostleship. Cover Title Copyright Contents Acknowledgments Abbreviations Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: On The Interpretive Trail – Galatians 6.11-17 Through The Lens Of Its Interpreters 1. Understanding the Body-closing and Its Distinction from the Letter Closing of Galatians a. John White b. Nils Dahl c. G. Walter Hansen and Richard N. Longenecker 2. Understanding Galatians 6.11-17 in Light of Letter Closing Conventions a. Gordon Bahr b. Hans Dieter Betz c. G. Walter Hansen and Richard N. Longenecker d. Jeffrey A. D. Weima 3. Chapter Summary Chapter 3: The Strategic Form And Function Of Galatians 6.11-17 1. The Epistolary Genre and Structure of Galatians 2. Challenging the Identi??cation of Galatians 6.11-17 as a Letter Closing a. The Letter Closing in the Common Letter Tradition b. Letter Closing Conventions in Galatians 6.11-18? 3. Identifying Galatians 6.11-17 as the Closing to the Letter Body a. Body-closing Conventions in the Common Letter Tradition b. Body-closing Conventions in Galatians 6.11-17 4. Chapter Summary 5. The Exceptional Character of Galatians 6.11-17 Chapter 4: Has Paul’s Suffering Been Communicated In Vain? 1. Ernst Baasland 2. A. J. Goddard and S. A. Cummins 3. John Muddiman 4. Troy W. Martin 5. Chapter Summary Chapter 5: Listening To Paul’s Perspective On Persecution 1. Galatians 1.13-14 2. Galatians 1.21-24 3. Galatians 4.28–5.1 4. Galatians 5.7-12 5. Chapter Summary Chapter 6: Finding Other Clues – Reading Between Paul’s Lines 1. Galatians 2.11-14 2. Galatians 3.1-5 3. Galatians 4.12-18 4. Galatians 2.1-5 5. Galatians 1.7 and 5.4 6. Chapter Summary Chapter 7: Paul’s Dramatic Final Word – The Message Of Galatians 6.11-17 1. The Structure of Paul’s Argument in Galatians 6.11-17 2. The Interpretation of the Message of Galatians 6.11-17 a. Galatians 6.11 b. Galatians 6.12-13 c. Galatians 6.14-15 d. Galatians 6.16 e. Galatians 6.17 3. Chapter Summary Chapter 8: Conclusion Bibliography Index of References Index of Authors