Paul and Ancient Views of Sexual Desire: Paul's Sexual Ethics in 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 7 and Romans 1

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Paul and Ancient Views of Sexual Desire refutes the argument put forward by some scholars that Paul, in his sexual ethics, is in partial agreement with a current of thought in the Greco-Roman world that condemns sexual desire and advocates the elimination of such desire from marital sex. Ellis argues against not only this line of thought but also the attendant notion that this way of thinking underlies Paul's comments on homosexual activity in Romans 1. Through close analysis of numerous ancient passages relating to sexual desire, Ellis demonstrates that ancient thinkers tend to condemn not sexual desire in itself but excessive sexual desire and lack of self-control. Furthermore, he contends that ancient auditors would have been unlikely to see condemnation of sexual desire in Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 4 or 1 Corinthians 7.

Reviews

Review in International Review of Biblical Studies, vol. 54:2007/08
"usefully focused study" Journal for the study of the New Testament, 30 May 2008 -- Kent Brower

Author Bio

Dr. J. Edward Ellis, an ordained United Methodist minister, is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Olivet Nazarene University, USA. His publications include Controlled Burn: The Romantic Note in 1 Corinthians 7.