Paul on Humility

By (author) Eve-Marie Becker Translated by Wayne Coppins

Book cover: Paul on Humility

Extent: 211 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Biblical Studies

Series: Baylor-Mohr Siebeck Studies in Early Christianity

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(August 2020)

ISBN: 9783161596506

6.46 x 9.33 inches

Price: $66.00

On back order

In what was probably his last letter to the Philippians, Paul urges his readers to practice humility (Phil 2:3). Eve-Marie Becker’s interpretation pays equal attention to the linguistic and historical background, ethical and ecclesial functions of Paul’s admonition.


Translated from German into English for the first time, this monograph seeks to reclaim the original sense of humility as an ethical mindset that is of community-building value. This exploration of humility begins with a consideration of how the concept plays into current cultural crises before considering its linguistic and philosophical history in Western culture. In turning to the roots of Christian humility, Eve-Marie Becker focuses on Philippians 2, a passage in which Paul appeals to the lowliness of Christ to encourage his fellow Christians to persevere. She shows that humility both formed the basis of the ethic Paul instilled in Christ-believing communities and acted as a mimetic device centered on Jesus’ example that was molded into the earliest Christian identity and community.

Wayne Coppins (Übersetzt von)
is Professor of Religion at the University of Georgia.
Eve-Marie Becker (Von (Autor))
Geboren 1972; 2001 Dr. theol.; 2004 Habilitation; 2006-18 Professorin für neutestamentliche Exegese an der Universität Aarhus/Dänemark; 2016-17 Distinguished Visiting Professor of New Testament an der Emory University in Atlanta/USA; seit 2018 Professorin für Neues Testament an der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster.

  • By (author) Eve-Marie Becker
  • Translated by Wayne Coppins