Paul's Gift from Philippi
Conventions of Gift Exchange and Christian Giving

The first study of Paul's response to the gift of the Philippians in the context of Greek and Roman practices of gift exchange.

G. W. Peterman (Author)

9780521572200, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 March 1997

260 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.48 kg

"...Peterman's book is an important contribution to our understanding of the letter and of Paul's rich theology of Christian giving." James Ware, Religious Studies Review

This book is a study of Paul's response to the financial help he received from the church in Philippi whilst he was a prisoner in Rome. Philippians 4.10-20 has always puzzled commentators because of its seemingly strained and tortured mode of thanks. Word studies, psychological studies and literary studies have all failed to provide insight into the text, which is unique in the Pauline corpus. Using contemporary sources Dr Peterman re-examines this difficult passage in the light of Greek and Roman practices and language regarding the exchange of gifts and favours in society. He concludes that 'gift exchange' or 'social reciprocity', with its expectations and obligations, permeated every level of society in Paul's day, and that Paul's seemingly ungracious response was an attempt to create a new, Christian attitude to gifts and to giving.

Preface
List of Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Giving and receiving in the Old Testament and extra-biblical Jewish literature
3. Giving and receiving in the Graeco-Roman world
4. Partnership in Philippians 1-2
5. Philippians 4.10-20: Paul's thank-you section
6. Giving and receiving elsewhere in Paul's letters
7. Conclusions and Implications
Appendix A: a selection of Seneca's texts
Appendix B: other uses of ?O?I? KAI AHM¥I?
Appendix C: the support of wandering preachers and philosophers
Bibliography, Index of Greaco-Roman authors, Papyri and inscriptions
Index of biblical books with apocrypha and fathers
Index of modern authors.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]