Consolation in Philippians
Philosophical Sources and Rhetorical Strategy

This study places Paul's epistle in the context of ancient theories and literary practices of 'consolation'.

Paul A. Holloway (Author)

9780521036245, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 April 2007

224 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.4 cm, 0.296 kg

"It is an impressive piece of work; every interpreter of Philippians will have to consult it." Currents in Theology and Mission

Rhetorical criticism seeks to understand and comment on the way texts function in their social and cultural contexts. Holloway puts Paul's letter in the context of ancient theories and literary practices of 'consolation' and argues that Paul wrote to the Philippians in order to console them. Holloway shows that the letter has a unified overall strategy and provides a convincing account of Paul's argument. The book falls into two parts. Part I explores the integrity of Philippians, the rhetorical situation of the letter, and ancient consolation as the possible genre of Philippians, while Part II examines Phil. 1:3-11; 1:12-2:30; 3:1-4:1 and 4:2-23. The exegetical studies in Part II focus on the consolatory topoi and arguments of Philippians.

Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. Literary and Rhetorical Contexts: 1. The integrity of Philippians
2. The rhetorical situation of Philippians
3. On the genre of Philippians: ancient consolation
Part II. Consolation in Philippians: 4. Paul's consolatory strategy: discerning the things that matter (Phil. 1:3–11)
5. Discerning the things that matter in the gospel mission (Phil. 1:12–2:30)
6. Discerning the one thing that matters in the Christian life (Phil. 3:1–4:1)
7. Concluding parenesis, consolation and thank-you note (Phil. 4:2–23)
Conclusion: an analysis of Philippians
Bibliography
Index of modern authors
Index of passages cited.

Subject Areas: Religion: general [HRA]