The Reception of Paul and Early Christian Initiation
History and Hermeneutics

Situates Pauline analysis within the context of early Christian institutions. Examines the hermeneutics of reception-historical studies.

Benjamin A. Edsall (Author)

9781108471312, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 4 April 2019

340 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.3 cm, 0.62 kg

'… this volume is a study in the reception history of Paul and the development of early Christianity that … has important implications for the study of the NT. The volume will be of interest to Pauline scholars and church historians, and deserves a wide readership.' Jason Maston, Religious Studies Review

This book breaks new ground in New Testament reception history by bringing together early Pauline interpretation and the study of early Christian institutions. Benjamin Edsall traces the close association between Paul and the catechumenate through important texts and readers from the late second century to the fourth century to show how the early Church arrived at a wide-spread image of Paul as the apostle of Christian initiation. While exploring what this image of Paul means for understanding early Christian interpretation, Edsall also examines the significance of this aspect of Pauline reception in relation to interpretive possibilities of Paul's letters. Building on the analysis of early interpretations and rhetorical images of the Apostle, Edsall brings these together with contemporary scholarly discourse. The juxtaposition highlights longstanding continuity and conflict in exegetical discussions and dominant Pauline images. Edsall concludes with broader hermeneutical reflections on the value of historical reception for New Testament Studies.

1. Introduction
2. Catechesis and the catechumenate – an historical sketch
3. Narrating the catechist in the acts of Paul
4. Clement's pedagogical interpretation – milk and meat
5. Cultivating the soul – Origen's catechetical Paul
6. Paul the catechist, Chrysostom and the fourth century
7. Textual resources and a catechetical Paul
8. Conclusion – reception as iteration – a sketch.

Subject Areas: Christian leaders & leadership [HRCX1], Christian spirituality & religious experience [HRCS], Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG], Church history [HRCC2], The Early Church [HRCC1], Oral history [HBTD], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]