Ebook: Paul and Ancient Rhetoric Theory and Practice in the Hellenistic Context

The Apostle Paul lived and breathed in a Hellenistic culture that
placed high value on the art of rhetoric, and recent advances in
rhetorical criticism of the New Testament have resulted in a new
emphasis on the rhetorical aspect of his letters. As many scholars have
pointed out, however, it is not clear to what extent ancient rhetoric
actually influenced Paul and his writing or how important rhetoric is
for interpreting the Pauline corpus. This volume, containing contributions
from major figures in the field, provides a nuanced examination
of how ancient rhetoric should inform our understanding of
Paul and his letters.
The essays discuss Paul’s historical context, present innovative
advances in and trenchant critiques of rhetorical theory, and offer
fresh readings of key Pauline texts. Outlining the strengths and
weaknesses of a widely used approach, Paul and Ancient Rhetoric will
be a valuable resource for New Testament and classics scholars.