Paul and Rhetoric

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Paul and Rhetoric contains essays that have been presented in a seminar called "Paul and Rhetoric" in the annual meetings of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, the leading international forum for New Testament and Christian Origin scholars. Translated into English, these essays, by leaders in the field and in the topic, engage and represent modern scholarship on Paul and rhetorical studies. The foundational essays are listed under the heading "State of the Discussion", attempting to take the major rhetorical categories of the time contemporary with Paul (types of rhetoric, invention and arrangement, and figures and tropes) and, first, lays out where the discussion is now. They then note the problems and highlights where continued discussion and deliberation would be helpful. The "Broad Questions" section asks what can be learned about reading Paul's letters to congregations in light of ancient epistolography, how theology and rhetoric are related (because the two are often treated as if they are alien to one another), and how ancient rhetoric and ancient psychology are associated with one another. All in all a volume that illustrates, examines and assesses where we are now in the study of rhetorical traditions in Pauline scholarship, and in some instances suggests the direction of future studies.

Reviews

Overall, this edited volume , especially the first two sections, provides an insightful snapshot of the current state of the discipline... it is a useful work for anyone looking to gain a foothold in this important area of Pauline studies.' -- Expository Times
This valuable essay collection deserves a wide readership. -- Journal for the Study of The New Testament, Volume 33 Number 5
Collectively, these essays serve not only to capture the status quo of studies of Paul's rhetoric but also to advocate and demonstrate moving beyond simplistic exercises of 'classify the rhetoric'. Many students and scholars will profit from their methodological insights. -- Religious Studies Review
This volume illustrates, examines and assesses where we are now in the study of rhetorical traditions in Pauline scholarship, and in some instances suggests the direction of future studies. -- Theological Book Review, Volume 23, No.2
Sampley and Lampe have developed a unique book, one that is in a sense a hybrid. It is a hybrid in that it is neither purely a survey or monograph but a little of both...this book will prove to be an indispensable tool for anyone interested in further research in Paul and rhetoric. Highly recommended for research libraries and Pauline scholars. -- Douglas Estes * Review of Biblical Literature *

Author Bio

J. Paul Sampley is Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins at Boston University, USA. He is the co-editor of Pauline Parallels (1984) and "1 Corinthians" and "2 Corinthians" in the New Interpreter's Bible, and Walking in Love (2016). Peter Lampe is Professor and Chair of New Testament at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.