Enemies of the Cross of Christ: The Terminology of the Cross and Conflict in Philippians'Enemies of the Cross' employs classical rhetorical analysis to examine how Paul structures a deliberative argument using his understanding of the 'cross of Christ'. His goals are to guide/advise the Philippian community through internal and external strife (ch. 2), combat his opponents (ch.3), and develop his notion of the eschatological community (3:18-21). Williams proposes that while Paul has a 'theology of the death of Jesus', of which cross terminology is one of several aspects, this terminology is used almost exclusively in polemical/conflictual contexts. Hence Paul appears to be using 'cross of Christ' not so much as a doctrine but rather as a rhetorical tool, in a context of conflict and strife, to support his understanding of eschatology, apostolic service, the nature of Christian existence, and community among the saints. |
Contents
1 | |
10 | |
SOME PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS | 41 |
A RHETORICAL EXEGETICAL EXAMINATION OF PHILIPPIANS 2130 | 106 |
A RHETORICAL EXEGETICAL EXAMINATION OF PHILIPPIANS 3121 | 148 |
Chapter 5 | 234 |
253 | |
265 | |
275 | |
Other editions - View all
Enemies of the Cross of Christ: The Terminology of the Cross and Conflict in ... Demetrius Williams No preview available - 2002 |
Enemies of the Cross of Christ: The Terminology of the Cross and Conflict in ... Demetrius Williams No preview available - 2002 |
Common terms and phrases
according already analysis Apostle appeal argues argument audience become begins believers boast body Christian church circumcision claims complete concern confidence connection context contrast Corinthians cross terminology death deliberative described discourse discussion enemies epistolary eschatological example explore expressed faith final flesh follow function further future gain glory goal gospel hope hymn imitation important indicate Integration interpretation issue Jesus Christ Käsemann knowledge language letter live Lord loss means O’Brien opponents opposition passage pattern Paul Paul's Paul’s Pauline perfection perspective Phil Philippi Philippians phrase polemical position possible present Press problem proposed provides question reason reference reflects regard represents resurrection rhetorical righteousness says serves share significance situation statement status structure suffering suggests Testament theme theology things thought tradition true understanding unity values