Paul's Utilization of Preformed Traditions in 1 Timothy: An evaluation of the Apostle's literary, rhetorical, and theological tactics

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Mark Yarbrough assesses the question of whether traditional preformed' material contributes to the message and understanding of Paul's first letter to Timothy. The issue is addressed in three sections. Part one evaluates previous works interacting with traditional' material in the New Testament. Through a critique of historically proposed criteria, Yarbrough identifies eight criteria as the primary tools by which to discern units of preformed material.
In the second part of the book Yarbrough evaluates nineteen passages in 1 Timothy according to the criteria previously determined. From this base he embraces twelve of the nineteen passages as preformed material. These passages are subsequently examined in depth according to the author's distinct methodology. Part three demonstrates four functions of the preformed traditions in 1 Timothy. Firstly, that they may be seen as strengthening the literary cohesion of the letter. Secondly, that the traditional units afford the author rhetorical leverage which may be best identified as the provision of authority, the establishment of an instant rapport with the primary audience, and the assistance conferred in addressing this implied audience. Thirdly, they present theological directives that confront the character and belief of the false teachers.
Finally, Yarbrough asserts that the preformed traditions exist as a combatant against counter-mission doctrine. In conclusion, this study displays that the traditional material which may be discerned within the letter contributes significantly to the overall message and understanding of 1 Timothy.

Reviews

Yarbrough's work enhances the impression that the author of 1 Timothy is a writer of some skill: he has judiciously combined material from early Christian worship, creeds, and stories along with a wide array of (Pauline) sayings, letters, and biographical accounts in order to increase the authoritative force of the letter. -- Journal of Religion
Reviewed in the Religious Studies Review.
Reviewed in Recensions Et Comptes Rendus-Vol. 63/3.
"Does traditional material contribute to the message and understanding of 1 Timothy, asks Yarbrough, and seeks an answer within the assumption that such material was formulated before an epistle was written, and expressed the Christian community's conviction, or tradition. He surveys criteria used to evaluate traditional material and identifies eight of them as primary. Then he applies them to 19 passages that potentially preceded Paul's use of them, and demonstrates four functions of identified preformed traditions in the epistle." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.
"Based on a doctoral dissertation presented to Dallas Theological Seminary in 2008, this volume contends that performed traditions (that is, material that was formulated prior to an epistle's writing and was expressive of the Christian community's conviction) strengthen 1 Timothy's literary cohesion and provide rhetorical leverage in stating theological directives that combat counter-mission doctrine. After a sixteen-page introduction, it considers taxonomy and identification criteria for performed traditions. Next it identifies performed traditions in 1 Tim 1:8-10; 1-15a-b; 1:17; 2:5-6a; 3:1; 3:16; 4:8; 4:9, 10b; 5:24-25; 6:7, 6:10a; and 6:11-16. Then it demonstrates four functions of identified preformed traditions in 1 Timothy: strengthening literary cohesion, providing rhetorical leverage, presenting theological directives against opponents, and combating counter-mission doctrine. Four appendixes are included." -New Testament Abstracts, Vol. 54
'The earlier part of the work examines the significance of preformed material and offers critieria by which it can be assessed. The major study takes short passages that have been considered to contain such material.' - Donald A Bullen, Liverpool Hope University -- Donald A Bullen * Theological Book Review *

Author Bio

Mark M. Yarbrough is a Vice President for Communications, Associate Academic Dean and Assistant Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX, USA