Derhetorizing Paul: A Dynamic Perspective on Pauline Theology and the Law (Wissenshaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament, 124)

Paul used heavy rhetoric when persuading his addresses, sometimes leading to misinterpretations of his intent. Lauri Thurn argues that in order to understand Paul's theology, his texts need to derhetorized. Machine Generated Contents Note: Prefacev -- Part I -- The Dynamics Of Paul's Writings -- 1. Towards A Sensible Interpretation Of Paul1 -- 2. Was Paul A Theologian?5 -- A. The Dogmatic Interpretation5 -- B. The Contextual Alternative8 -- C. Back To Theology13 -- D. New Approaches To Pauline Theology18 -- 3. From A Static To A Dynamic View Of Paul's Text23 -- A. Two Perspectives23 -- B. Some Approaches To Textual Dynamics27 -- C. The Dynamic Nature Of Paul's Writing29 -- 4. Was Paul Sincere?36 -- A. Questioning Paul's Ethos36 -- B. Attempts To Save Paul's Reputation38 -- C. Adapting A General Pattern41 -- D. Against The Wind43 -- E. Sincerity Behind The Rhetoric?44 -- Part Ii -- The Law In Paul's Theology -- 1. Solutions With Problems53 -- 2. The Law In Galatians58 -- A. Galatians As Persuasion59 -- A. Was Paul Too Angry?59 -- B. Coerced By The Villains?64 -- C. The Antagonists' Theology Defined?68 -- D. Galatians As Dramatization70 -- A) Labelling The Opponents70 --^ P) Mighty Expressions70 -- Y) Absolute Theology71 -- 8) Conclusion72 -- B. Theology Behind Rhetoric?73 -- A. Semantic Observations73 -- B. The Law And God -- Is Paul Blasphemous?80 -- A) The Exigency Of Gal 3,15-2980 -- P) The Origins Of The Law81 -- Y) The Purpose Of The Law83 -- 8) Conclusions84 -- C. The Law As Moral Guidance85 -- A) The New Moses?86 -- P) Enabling Exhortation?87 -- Y) The Exigency Of Gal 5,13-6,1088 -- C. Conclusions92 -- 3. The Law Strikes Back: Romans And 1 Cor95 -- A. Conditions For Communication96 -- A. Romans96 -- B. 1 Cor And Other Pauline Epistles101 -- B. Semantic Observations106 -- C. The Functions Of The Law110 -- A. Producing Life112 -- B. Explaining The Death Of Christians114 -- A) 1 Cor 15,56 -- The Mother Of All Contradictions?115 -- P) Rom 7,14-25 Revisited117 -- C. Identifying And Provoking Sin 127 -- D. Conclusion 130 -- D. Law And Paraenesis 131 -- A. Should The Commands Of The Law Still Be Obeyed? 132 --^ B. Has The Paraenesis Inherited The Negative Qualities Of The Law? 135 -- 4. What Was Wrong With The Law?138 -- A. Theology Must Not Be Disregarded139 -- B. Jewish Theology Or Pauline Exaggeration?143 -- C. Tensions Within The Old Testament148 -- A. Introduction148 -- B. Contradicting The Promise?152 -- C. Counteracting Monotheism?155 -- A) Persistence Of The Social Difference155 -- P) Tension Within Judaism157 -- D. Law And Boasting -- A General Element Of Paul's Solution165 -- A. Introduction165 -- B. Phil 3 And Rom 4168 -- C.lcor171 -- D. Gal6174 -- E. Conclusion: Boasting, Judaism, And Paul176 -- Part Iii -- Paul Derhetorized? -- 1. Summary181 -- 2. Concluding Remarks On The Dynamic Perspective184 -- Literature187 -- Indices198 -- Sources199 -- Modem Authors207 -- Subjects211. Lauri Thurén. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [187]-198) And Indexes. Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 3 Preface......Page 5 Contents......Page 7 Part I: The Dynamics of Paul's Writing......Page 11 1. Towards a Sensible Interpretation of Paul......Page 13 2. Was Paul a Theologian?......Page 17 3. From a Static to a Dynamic View of Paul's Text......Page 35 4. Was Paul Sincere?......Page 48 Part II: The Law in Paul's Theology......Page 63 1. Solutions with Problems......Page 65 2. The Law in Galatians......Page 70 3. The Law Strikes Back: Romans and 1 Cor......Page 107 4. What Was Wrong with the Law?......Page 150 Part III: Paul Derhetorized?......Page 191 1. Summary......Page 193 2. Concluding Remarks on the Dynamic Perspective......Page 196 Literature......Page 199 Sources......Page 211 Modern Authors......Page 219 Index of Subjects......Page 223