A Cosmopolitan Ideal: Paul's Declaration 'Neither Jew Nor Greek, Neither Slave Nor Free, Nor Male and Female' in the Context of First-Century Thought

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What did Paul mean when he declared that there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor male and female (Galatians 3:28) While many modern readers understand these words as a statement about human equality, this study shows that it in fact reflects ancient ideas about an ideal or utopian community. With this declaration, Paul contributed to the cultural conversation of his time about such a community. The three pairs that Paul brings together in this formula all played a role in first-century conceptions of what an ideal world would look like. Such conceptions were influenced by cosmopolitanism; the philosophical idea prevalent at the time, that all people were fundamentally connected and could all live in a unified society. Understanding Pauls thought in the context of these contemporary ideals helps to clarify his attitude towards each of the three pairs in his letters. Like other ancient utopian thinkers, Paul imagined the ideal community to be based on mutual dependence and egalitarian relationships.

Reviews

Neutels work as a whole is impressively researched, admirably presented, and faultlessly edited. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Neutel successfully offers a consistent interpretation of Galatians 3:28 in the context of Pauline theology. * Theologische Revue (Bloomsbury Translation). *
An important study that deserves the attention of students and scholars interested in Pauls social context and its importance for his eschatological framework, specifically as it relates to gender, ethno-racial relations, and class distinctions. It makes an insightful, engaging, and persuasive case, and I highly recommend it. * Catholic Biblical Quarterly *
A welcome contribution to the study of Galatians 3.28 and Pauline theology. Scholars working on this verse and these issues will want to engage with Neutels contribution. * Religious Studies Review *
This study sheds important light on the range of ancient notions of community to which Pauls one in Christ can be compared. * Theological Studies *
It is not easy to justify writing an entire book on a single biblical verse But even for such a verse, it is not easy to write a book-on-a-single-verse good enough that, after finishing it, the reader regards it as having been well worth the time. Karin Neutel, however, has accomplished both of these difficult feats with A Cosmopolitan Ideal... a revision of a very impressive Groningen PhD thesis. * The Expository Times *
Neutel's work is characterised by great clarity, stringency and persuasive power ... The work can only be highly recommended, especially in German-language exegesis. * Theologische Literaturzeitung (Bloomsbury Translation) *
[Neutel] claims that Pauls statement [in Galatians 3:28] has often been studied with regard to contemporary questions; so she will undertake a thoroughly first century reading: and place the text in its argumentative context In a detailed but broad sweeping and well-argued study she makes good on this claim, with results that seem surprising and new in the overworked field of studies of Galatians 3:28. * Biblical Theology Bulletin *

Author Bio

Karin B. Neutel is Lecturer in New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands.