The Spirit World in the Letters of Paul the Apostle
A Critical Examination of the Role of Spiritual Beings in the Authentic Pauline Epistles
By (author) Guy Williams
Hardback (Published)
(September 2009)
ISBN: 9783525530955
6.34 x 9.33 inches
Price: $200.00
On back order
Die Rolle der Geistwesen in den echten paulinischen Briefen.
This book provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the role of spiritual beings in the authentic Pauline epistles, the first work to give an exhaustive and systematic account in recent years. Contrary to the views of many scholars, that spirits are trivial or irrelevant within Paul’s writings, this monograph argues that they are inherent features of the letters. Read within their historical and cultural context, the epistles can be seen to participate in widely held assumptions about the role and influence of spiritual powers. This argument allows for a fresh perspective on a neglected theme, allowing for a re-evaluation of aspects of Paul’s letters. Part One sets out the problems of interpreting the spirit world, with reference to the agendas of modern scholars and ancient readers. Part Two then examines angelology and demonology, progressing through the main inhabitants of the Pauline spirit world: angels, Satan, demons, powers, etc. Finally, Part Three sets out the key thrust of the argument: the spirit world may be regarded as inherent in the letters because it is integrated into major Pauline themes. This thesis is put forward by analysing the role played by spirits in helping to shape three areas of concern for Paul: his Christology, soteriology, and sense of community. Such an integrated approach yields a new way of perceiving the place and importance of spirits, not as a major or minor doctrine but as an axiomatic and cultural idiom in the Pauline texts.
Guy Williams, PhD, unterrichtet Philosophie und Religion am Wellington College, England.
- By (author) Guy Williams
Other Titles in this Series
Macht und Weisheit
Untersuchungen zur politischen Anthropologie in den Erzählungen vom Absalomaufstand
Anthropologische Aufbrüche
Alttestamentliche und interdisziplinäre Zugänge zur historischen Anthropologie
Christologie und Ethik im Philipperbrief
Studien zur Handlungsorientierung einer frühchristlichen Gemeinde in paganer Umwelt
Expanding Ezekiel
The Hermeneutics of Scribal Addition in the Ancient Text Witnesses of the Book of Ezekiel
From Qumran to Aleppo
A Discussion with Emanuel Tov about the Textual History of Jewish Scriptures in Honor of his 65th Birthday
Heiliges Land und Nähe Gottes
Wandlungen alttestamentlicher Landvorstellungen in frühjüdischen und neutestamentlichen Schriften
The Meaning of the Letter of Aristeas
In light of biblical interpretation and grammatical tradition, and with reference to its historical context
Fremdlinge im eigenen Land
Zur Entstehung und Intention der priesterlichen Passagen der Vätergeschichte
A Theocentric Interpretation of הדעת טוב ורע
The Knowledge of Good and Evil as the Knowledge for Administering Reward and Punishment
Zwischen Landnahme und Königtum
Literarkritische und redaktionsgeschichtliche Untersuchungen zum Anfang und Ende der deuteronomistischen Richtererzählungen
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