Richard Hillier
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198147862
- eISBN:
- 9780191672330
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198147862.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter argues that in writing the Historia Apostolica Arator was particularly concerned to emphasize and explain the role of baptism in the Acts ...
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This chapter argues that in writing the Historia Apostolica Arator was particularly concerned to emphasize and explain the role of baptism in the Acts of the Apostles. First, the chapter examines the baptismal content of both the Historia Apostolica and Acts. For all that Acts is the single fullest account of the missionary work of the church in its earliest days, its explicit descriptions of and direct references to baptism are few. To show how Arator highlighted the baptismal perspective to an extent which transcends any notion of mere paraphrase, baptismal references and sequences in both works are listed side by side in tabular form. From such an analysis it is clear that Arator's poem includes more baptismal references than the biblical text on which it is based. Baptismal passages in Historia Apostolica and Acts are discussed.Less
This chapter argues that in writing the Historia Apostolica Arator was particularly concerned to emphasize and explain the role of baptism in the Acts of the Apostles. First, the chapter examines the baptismal content of both the Historia Apostolica and Acts. For all that Acts is the single fullest account of the missionary work of the church in its earliest days, its explicit descriptions of and direct references to baptism are few. To show how Arator highlighted the baptismal perspective to an extent which transcends any notion of mere paraphrase, baptismal references and sequences in both works are listed side by side in tabular form. From such an analysis it is clear that Arator's poem includes more baptismal references than the biblical text on which it is based. Baptismal passages in Historia Apostolica and Acts are discussed.
BRUCE M. METZGER
- Published in print:
- 1977
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198261704
- eISBN:
- 9780191682209
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198261704.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies, Early Christian Studies
This chapter discusses the introduction of Christianity into Ethiopia and the early manuscripts of the Ethiopic version of the New Testament. Many modern scholars date the origin of the Ethiopic ...
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This chapter discusses the introduction of Christianity into Ethiopia and the early manuscripts of the Ethiopic version of the New Testament. Many modern scholars date the origin of the Ethiopic version to a time during the 5th century and/or 6th century, in connection with the missionary activity of the Nine Saints. Of the several thousand Ethiopic manuscripts in European and American collections, about three hundred contain the text of one of more books of the New Testament. This chapter also discusses the Ethiopic textual analyses of the Gospels such as the Acts of the Apostles, Pauline Epistles, Catholic Epistles and the Book of Revelations, and the limitations of Ethiopic in representing the Greek New Testament.Less
This chapter discusses the introduction of Christianity into Ethiopia and the early manuscripts of the Ethiopic version of the New Testament. Many modern scholars date the origin of the Ethiopic version to a time during the 5th century and/or 6th century, in connection with the missionary activity of the Nine Saints. Of the several thousand Ethiopic manuscripts in European and American collections, about three hundred contain the text of one of more books of the New Testament. This chapter also discusses the Ethiopic textual analyses of the Gospels such as the Acts of the Apostles, Pauline Epistles, Catholic Epistles and the Book of Revelations, and the limitations of Ethiopic in representing the Greek New Testament.
Richard Hillier
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198147862
- eISBN:
- 9780191672330
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198147862.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
April 6, 544 was a day of no ordinary significance in the life of Pope Vigilius and the Roman Catholic Church over which he presided. It was the day a ...
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April 6, 544 was a day of no ordinary significance in the life of Pope Vigilius and the Roman Catholic Church over which he presided. It was the day a party, albeit in ceremonial guise, was called by the Pope to celebrate the completion of a new poem written by one of the clergy on the papal staff. The poet was Arator, and his work was a reworking in verse of the Acts of the Apostles, the Historia Apostolica. Rome in the spring of 544 was a city bracing itself for attack on two fronts: one by the Gothic leader Totila and the other by Justinian's condemnation of the so-called Three Chapters. A close reading of Arator's work shows quite clearly that it is a commentary on the Acts of the Apostles in verse form. Arator emphasizes the importance of baptism as a pervading theme in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly the way in which episodes which appear to have no direct connection with baptism are made to divulge baptismal significance when subjected to allegorical interpretation.Less
April 6, 544 was a day of no ordinary significance in the life of Pope Vigilius and the Roman Catholic Church over which he presided. It was the day a party, albeit in ceremonial guise, was called by the Pope to celebrate the completion of a new poem written by one of the clergy on the papal staff. The poet was Arator, and his work was a reworking in verse of the Acts of the Apostles, the Historia Apostolica. Rome in the spring of 544 was a city bracing itself for attack on two fronts: one by the Gothic leader Totila and the other by Justinian's condemnation of the so-called Three Chapters. A close reading of Arator's work shows quite clearly that it is a commentary on the Acts of the Apostles in verse form. Arator emphasizes the importance of baptism as a pervading theme in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly the way in which episodes which appear to have no direct connection with baptism are made to divulge baptismal significance when subjected to allegorical interpretation.
Henry Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246953
- eISBN:
- 9780191600463
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246955.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
The authors of the four gospels not only provided support for oral tradition as memories of Jesus faded but also interpreted it for succeeding generations. The continued story of the Church in Acts ...
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The authors of the four gospels not only provided support for oral tradition as memories of Jesus faded but also interpreted it for succeeding generations. The continued story of the Church in Acts constitutes the best source for the history of the missionary activities of Peter and Paul among the Gentiles. The Jerusalem church retained authority, especially among Jewish Christians, even after the church in Rome, centre of the Gentile world and scene of the martyrdoms of Peter and Paul, came to be seen as the most important of the Christian churches. The deaths of Peter and Paul created a vacuum in authority in which various notions, including early Gnostic ideas, surfaced in particular churches. Early Christians came from a cross section of society, and their diversity in origins and language caused them to be seen as a ‘third race’, neither pagan nor Jew.Less
The authors of the four gospels not only provided support for oral tradition as memories of Jesus faded but also interpreted it for succeeding generations. The continued story of the Church in Acts constitutes the best source for the history of the missionary activities of Peter and Paul among the Gentiles. The Jerusalem church retained authority, especially among Jewish Christians, even after the church in Rome, centre of the Gentile world and scene of the martyrdoms of Peter and Paul, came to be seen as the most important of the Christian churches. The deaths of Peter and Paul created a vacuum in authority in which various notions, including early Gnostic ideas, surfaced in particular churches. Early Christians came from a cross section of society, and their diversity in origins and language caused them to be seen as a ‘third race’, neither pagan nor Jew.
A. Edward Siecienski
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- February 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190245252
- eISBN:
- 9780190245276
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190245252.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
This chapter discusses the portrayal of Peter in the gospels and epistles, asking how events from 50 to 120 AD shaped the memory of Peter in the various churches of the New Testament. As soon becomes ...
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This chapter discusses the portrayal of Peter in the gospels and epistles, asking how events from 50 to 120 AD shaped the memory of Peter in the various churches of the New Testament. As soon becomes obvious, the portrait of Peter is not completely consistent throughout the New Testament and undergoes certain changes or adaptations depending on the needs of the individual biblical author. Of course, in any study of Peter in the New Testament particular attention must be given to both Matthew 16:13–20 and John 21:15–17, the two texts cited by Roman Catholics as the biblical basis for the papacy.Less
This chapter discusses the portrayal of Peter in the gospels and epistles, asking how events from 50 to 120 AD shaped the memory of Peter in the various churches of the New Testament. As soon becomes obvious, the portrait of Peter is not completely consistent throughout the New Testament and undergoes certain changes or adaptations depending on the needs of the individual biblical author. Of course, in any study of Peter in the New Testament particular attention must be given to both Matthew 16:13–20 and John 21:15–17, the two texts cited by Roman Catholics as the biblical basis for the papacy.
Peter C. Hodgson
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198754176
- eISBN:
- 9780191815904
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198754176.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology, Biblical Studies
Baur starts this period (AD 70–140) with the Epistle to the Hebrews, which, he says, mediates between Paul’s critique of Judaism and the apocalyptic writer’s embrace of it. It does so by introducing ...
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Baur starts this period (AD 70–140) with the Epistle to the Hebrews, which, he says, mediates between Paul’s critique of Judaism and the apocalyptic writer’s embrace of it. It does so by introducing the idea of an eternal priesthood. The Deutero-Pauline Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians) have a Paulinizing orientation but go considerably beyond Pauline christology, making transcendent claims about the divinity of Christ and his cosmic mission. Gnostic influences are evident. The Epistles attributed to James and Peter exhibit a Catholicizing tendency. Baur’s treatment of the Synoptic Gospels focuses on common elements in their presentation of the story of Jesus, and on their distinctive christology: Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension as Son of God. The Book of Acts emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the early church.Less
Baur starts this period (AD 70–140) with the Epistle to the Hebrews, which, he says, mediates between Paul’s critique of Judaism and the apocalyptic writer’s embrace of it. It does so by introducing the idea of an eternal priesthood. The Deutero-Pauline Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians) have a Paulinizing orientation but go considerably beyond Pauline christology, making transcendent claims about the divinity of Christ and his cosmic mission. Gnostic influences are evident. The Epistles attributed to James and Peter exhibit a Catholicizing tendency. Baur’s treatment of the Synoptic Gospels focuses on common elements in their presentation of the story of Jesus, and on their distinctive christology: Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension as Son of God. The Book of Acts emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the early church.
Loveday Alexander
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198299905
- eISBN:
- 9780191707803
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198299905.003.0014
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Prose and Writers: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter examines the hypothesis that the multifarious activities of philosophers created a philosophy-shaped hole, a template within the structures of imperial public life, ready to be exploited ...
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This chapter examines the hypothesis that the multifarious activities of philosophers created a philosophy-shaped hole, a template within the structures of imperial public life, ready to be exploited by Jews and Christians who were themselves excluded from the normal channels that facilitated exercise of power within those structures. Advising rulers, seeking to attract the interest of elite citizens, inspiring resistance, and discoursing on the nature, forms, and exercise of power: all of these modes of connection between philosophy and power can be paralleled within the discourses of self-presentation constructed by Jews and Christians. The chapter considers the narrative of Paul's mission in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly at the way in which it constructs the task of evangelizing the cities of the Empire through the use of public and private space, and at some of the contested ways in which the paradigm of the resistant philosopher is used to explore the limitations of power.Less
This chapter examines the hypothesis that the multifarious activities of philosophers created a philosophy-shaped hole, a template within the structures of imperial public life, ready to be exploited by Jews and Christians who were themselves excluded from the normal channels that facilitated exercise of power within those structures. Advising rulers, seeking to attract the interest of elite citizens, inspiring resistance, and discoursing on the nature, forms, and exercise of power: all of these modes of connection between philosophy and power can be paralleled within the discourses of self-presentation constructed by Jews and Christians. The chapter considers the narrative of Paul's mission in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly at the way in which it constructs the task of evangelizing the cities of the Empire through the use of public and private space, and at some of the contested ways in which the paradigm of the resistant philosopher is used to explore the limitations of power.
Richard Hillier
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198147862
- eISBN:
- 9780191672330
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198147862.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
A section of the Historia Apostolica provides another example of Arator's treatment of the text of Acts of the Apostles. The passage occupies only four ...
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A section of the Historia Apostolica provides another example of Arator's treatment of the text of Acts of the Apostles. The passage occupies only four verses in the biblical text (Acts 9: 32–5); the account of Peter's healing of Aeneas mentions neither baptism nor circumcision, yet Arator with his usual baptismal amplificatio manages to extend his version over forty-seven hexameters to involve a comparison of the Christian sacrament with the Jewish. Arator's rendering of the passage makes the baptism explicit. In addition, the idea of cleansing and purification is introduced by Arator at the outset when he describes Peter's activity in Lydda. Presumably the ‘saints’ are baptized already and Arator means that Peter enlightened them with his teaching. However, Aeneas' healing, as interpreted by Arator, is also due largely, if not totally, to baptism. This chapter examines the way in which Arator uses the healing of Aeneas to emphasize the healing power of baptism which is at such variance with the essentially wounding nature of circumcision.Less
A section of the Historia Apostolica provides another example of Arator's treatment of the text of Acts of the Apostles. The passage occupies only four verses in the biblical text (Acts 9: 32–5); the account of Peter's healing of Aeneas mentions neither baptism nor circumcision, yet Arator with his usual baptismal amplificatio manages to extend his version over forty-seven hexameters to involve a comparison of the Christian sacrament with the Jewish. Arator's rendering of the passage makes the baptism explicit. In addition, the idea of cleansing and purification is introduced by Arator at the outset when he describes Peter's activity in Lydda. Presumably the ‘saints’ are baptized already and Arator means that Peter enlightened them with his teaching. However, Aeneas' healing, as interpreted by Arator, is also due largely, if not totally, to baptism. This chapter examines the way in which Arator uses the healing of Aeneas to emphasize the healing power of baptism which is at such variance with the essentially wounding nature of circumcision.
Richard Hillier
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198147862
- eISBN:
- 9780191672330
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198147862.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
In Historia Apostolica 2. 40–95, Arator's attitude to the text of the Acts of the Apostles is evident: namely, that it is a commentary rather than a ...
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In Historia Apostolica 2. 40–95, Arator's attitude to the text of the Acts of the Apostles is evident: namely, that it is a commentary rather than a paraphrase. After a shortened introduction, Arator concentrates on three episodes of traditional sacramental importance: the crossing of the Red Sea, the miracle of Horeb, and the raining down of manna, none of which is explicitly mentioned in Acts. For Arator, the speech is a piece of baptismal teaching comparable with 1 Corinthians 10: 2–4. However, the speech in Acts does not refer even obliquely to baptism. The baptismal connection is inserted entirely by Arator, not in paraphrase but in comment. This chapter examines the equivocal nature of the metaphorical interpretation of the waters of the Red Sea, the idea of the superiority of the Christian veritas over the Jewish figura and the inability of the Jews to recognize it, and the interpretation of the waters of the Red Sea as prefiguring the mingled blood and water which flowed from the side of the crucified Christ.Less
In Historia Apostolica 2. 40–95, Arator's attitude to the text of the Acts of the Apostles is evident: namely, that it is a commentary rather than a paraphrase. After a shortened introduction, Arator concentrates on three episodes of traditional sacramental importance: the crossing of the Red Sea, the miracle of Horeb, and the raining down of manna, none of which is explicitly mentioned in Acts. For Arator, the speech is a piece of baptismal teaching comparable with 1 Corinthians 10: 2–4. However, the speech in Acts does not refer even obliquely to baptism. The baptismal connection is inserted entirely by Arator, not in paraphrase but in comment. This chapter examines the equivocal nature of the metaphorical interpretation of the waters of the Red Sea, the idea of the superiority of the Christian veritas over the Jewish figura and the inability of the Jews to recognize it, and the interpretation of the waters of the Red Sea as prefiguring the mingled blood and water which flowed from the side of the crucified Christ.
James Barr
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198263760
- eISBN:
- 9780191600395
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198263767.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
Studies Paul's speech at Athens (Acts 17) and the question whether it implies or supports natural theology.
Studies Paul's speech at Athens (Acts 17) and the question whether it implies or supports natural theology.
David W. Kling
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- August 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780195320923
- eISBN:
- 9780190062620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780195320923.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History, History of Christianity
This chapter focuses primarily on the New Testament, the charter document for Christian views of conversion. It examines the vocabulary of conversion and the multitudinous ways that Scripture depicts ...
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This chapter focuses primarily on the New Testament, the charter document for Christian views of conversion. It examines the vocabulary of conversion and the multitudinous ways that Scripture depicts conversion. At a basic level, conversion in the New Testament is a personal response of faith to God’s saving activity in Jesus Christ: theologically, affirming certain beliefs about Jesus; ethically, conforming in behavior to Jesus; and sociologically, joining a community of followers of Jesus. Following a discussion of the vocabulary of conversion in the Old and New Testaments, the chapter discusses conversion in the Synoptic Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles (emphasizing the contrast to the pagan world and discussing household conversions), the Johannine writings, and the conversion of Paul. It concludes with comments about the relationship between baptism and conversion.Less
This chapter focuses primarily on the New Testament, the charter document for Christian views of conversion. It examines the vocabulary of conversion and the multitudinous ways that Scripture depicts conversion. At a basic level, conversion in the New Testament is a personal response of faith to God’s saving activity in Jesus Christ: theologically, affirming certain beliefs about Jesus; ethically, conforming in behavior to Jesus; and sociologically, joining a community of followers of Jesus. Following a discussion of the vocabulary of conversion in the Old and New Testaments, the chapter discusses conversion in the Synoptic Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles (emphasizing the contrast to the pagan world and discussing household conversions), the Johannine writings, and the conversion of Paul. It concludes with comments about the relationship between baptism and conversion.
Jason P. Rosenblatt
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199286133
- eISBN:
- 9780191713859
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199286133.003.0011
- Subject:
- Literature, Poetry
One of the purest expressions of John Selden’s thought as a lawyer, political theorist, and Hebraist appears in a legal decision written fifteen years after his death by his disciple, Sir John ...
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One of the purest expressions of John Selden’s thought as a lawyer, political theorist, and Hebraist appears in a legal decision written fifteen years after his death by his disciple, Sir John Vaughan (1603-1674), Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. Vaughan’s decision in the very special case of Harrison versus Dr. Burwell constitutes a student’s homage to his teacher, demonstrating throughout Vaughan’s awareness of Selden’s emphasis on the historically determined character of the common law, and of the rabbinic underpinnings of his political philosophy and biblical hermeneutics. The chapter ends with Selden’s citation of an unrecognized talmudic parody of the Apostolic Decree in Acts.Less
One of the purest expressions of John Selden’s thought as a lawyer, political theorist, and Hebraist appears in a legal decision written fifteen years after his death by his disciple, Sir John Vaughan (1603-1674), Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. Vaughan’s decision in the very special case of Harrison versus Dr. Burwell constitutes a student’s homage to his teacher, demonstrating throughout Vaughan’s awareness of Selden’s emphasis on the historically determined character of the common law, and of the rabbinic underpinnings of his political philosophy and biblical hermeneutics. The chapter ends with Selden’s citation of an unrecognized talmudic parody of the Apostolic Decree in Acts.
Christopher Stroup
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780300247893
- eISBN:
- 9780300252187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300247893.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter situates Acts of the Apostles historically and examines previous scholarship on Jewish identity and Acts. It argues that Lukan ethnic reasoning—as mediated by the cultural context of ...
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This chapter situates Acts of the Apostles historically and examines previous scholarship on Jewish identity and Acts. It argues that Lukan ethnic reasoning—as mediated by the cultural context of Greek cities under Roman rule—sought to create an alternate construal of Jewish and Christian identity. This alternate identity integrated Christian non-Jews into the civic hierarchy. The chapter then surveys the scholarship on Jews and Judaism in Acts and looks at recent developments in interpretation that have emphasized the author's rhetoric rather than “attitude.” It also discusses four texts that highlight the value of ethnic reasoning and, scholar of ancient Christianity, Denise Kimber Buell's discussion of four uses of religious rhetoric in ethnic reasoning. Ultimately, Acts leverages the connection between gods, people, and places in its depiction of Jewish identity. It employs ethnic rhetoric in order to present all Christians as Jews and to privilege Christians as an ideal embodiment of Jewishness for the Roman-era polis.Less
This chapter situates Acts of the Apostles historically and examines previous scholarship on Jewish identity and Acts. It argues that Lukan ethnic reasoning—as mediated by the cultural context of Greek cities under Roman rule—sought to create an alternate construal of Jewish and Christian identity. This alternate identity integrated Christian non-Jews into the civic hierarchy. The chapter then surveys the scholarship on Jews and Judaism in Acts and looks at recent developments in interpretation that have emphasized the author's rhetoric rather than “attitude.” It also discusses four texts that highlight the value of ethnic reasoning and, scholar of ancient Christianity, Denise Kimber Buell's discussion of four uses of religious rhetoric in ethnic reasoning. Ultimately, Acts leverages the connection between gods, people, and places in its depiction of Jewish identity. It employs ethnic rhetoric in order to present all Christians as Jews and to privilege Christians as an ideal embodiment of Jewishness for the Roman-era polis.
Christopher Stroup
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780300247893
- eISBN:
- 9780300252187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300247893.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter explores how Acts of the Apostles and the Salutaris Foundation inscription each uses ethnic reasoning together with civic and imperial space to produce unified identities. Focusing on ...
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This chapter explores how Acts of the Apostles and the Salutaris Foundation inscription each uses ethnic reasoning together with civic and imperial space to produce unified identities. Focusing on Paul's visits to Jewish civic associations in Acts 15:30–18:23, it shows how the repeated representation of civic space constructs a Jewish identity that includes proselyte non-Jews and at the same time makes an internal distinction between two Jewish identities: Christians and other Jews. Thus, the difference between Christians and non-Christians is one internal to Jewish identity. The chapter then compares this to how the Salutaris Foundation regulates movement through the Ephesian cityscape in ways that both reimagine Ephesian identity and distinguish between “true” and other Ephesians. While Acts seeks to incorporate non-Jewish Christians into the Jewish community, the Salutaris Foundation seeks to marginalize those Ephesians who do not conform to the benefactor's desired construal of Ephesian identity. Finally, the chapter studies how the literary representation in Acts of Paul's journeys throughout the Roman Empire also constructed a unified Christian identity that could be contrasted with the purported disunity of other Jewish civic associations.Less
This chapter explores how Acts of the Apostles and the Salutaris Foundation inscription each uses ethnic reasoning together with civic and imperial space to produce unified identities. Focusing on Paul's visits to Jewish civic associations in Acts 15:30–18:23, it shows how the repeated representation of civic space constructs a Jewish identity that includes proselyte non-Jews and at the same time makes an internal distinction between two Jewish identities: Christians and other Jews. Thus, the difference between Christians and non-Christians is one internal to Jewish identity. The chapter then compares this to how the Salutaris Foundation regulates movement through the Ephesian cityscape in ways that both reimagine Ephesian identity and distinguish between “true” and other Ephesians. While Acts seeks to incorporate non-Jewish Christians into the Jewish community, the Salutaris Foundation seeks to marginalize those Ephesians who do not conform to the benefactor's desired construal of Ephesian identity. Finally, the chapter studies how the literary representation in Acts of Paul's journeys throughout the Roman Empire also constructed a unified Christian identity that could be contrasted with the purported disunity of other Jewish civic associations.
Christopher Stroup
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780300247893
- eISBN:
- 9780300252187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300247893.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter assesses how Acts of the Apostles uses the image of Jewishness constructed in Acts 2:5–13 to depict the Jewishness of Christian non-Jews in the Jerusalem council (15:1–21). Comparing the ...
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This chapter assesses how Acts of the Apostles uses the image of Jewishness constructed in Acts 2:5–13 to depict the Jewishness of Christian non-Jews in the Jerusalem council (15:1–21). Comparing the ethnic rhetoric of Acts 15 with ethnic rhetoric of the Salutaris Foundation inscription, it calls attention to wider negotiations of civic identity and within the context of formal public documents like this inscription. The Salutaris Foundation inscription, which contains the stipulations for a donation given by a wealthy citizen of Ephesus, provides a useful comparison with the Jerusalem council narrative in two primary ways. First, the inscription was composed within a decade or two of the likely publication of Acts and therefore offers a glimpse of a contemporaneous use of ethnic rhetoric. Second, a majority of the narrative of Acts takes place in an urban context, including in Ephesus. The Salutaris Foundation thus provides a securely dated and located example of the negotiation of identity within the city, demonstrating who had the power to influence identity claims and how such negotiations took place. Both Acts and the Salutaris Foundation leverage religious ideology in their respective forms of ethnic rhetoric in order to legitimate ethnic change, employing ancestral religious rhetoric, a shared sense of the flexibility of ethnic identity, and the authority of councils in ways that delimit the identity of contested populations and their religious activities.Less
This chapter assesses how Acts of the Apostles uses the image of Jewishness constructed in Acts 2:5–13 to depict the Jewishness of Christian non-Jews in the Jerusalem council (15:1–21). Comparing the ethnic rhetoric of Acts 15 with ethnic rhetoric of the Salutaris Foundation inscription, it calls attention to wider negotiations of civic identity and within the context of formal public documents like this inscription. The Salutaris Foundation inscription, which contains the stipulations for a donation given by a wealthy citizen of Ephesus, provides a useful comparison with the Jerusalem council narrative in two primary ways. First, the inscription was composed within a decade or two of the likely publication of Acts and therefore offers a glimpse of a contemporaneous use of ethnic rhetoric. Second, a majority of the narrative of Acts takes place in an urban context, including in Ephesus. The Salutaris Foundation thus provides a securely dated and located example of the negotiation of identity within the city, demonstrating who had the power to influence identity claims and how such negotiations took place. Both Acts and the Salutaris Foundation leverage religious ideology in their respective forms of ethnic rhetoric in order to legitimate ethnic change, employing ancestral religious rhetoric, a shared sense of the flexibility of ethnic identity, and the authority of councils in ways that delimit the identity of contested populations and their religious activities.
John Marenbon
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691142555
- eISBN:
- 9781400866359
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691142555.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter provides a prelude into the terms of the Problem of Paganism, as it would be discussed in the West until the end of the seventeenth century. It begins by looking at the earliest ...
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This chapter provides a prelude into the terms of the Problem of Paganism, as it would be discussed in the West until the end of the seventeenth century. It begins by looking at the earliest Christian reaction to ancient paganism, in the New Testament texts which became points of reference in later discussions. Elements of the Problem of Paganism are found from very early in the Christian tradition: not in the Gospels, set in their firmly Jewish environment, but in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul's letter to the Romans. The chapter then offers a glimpse of how the problem was addressed by Christians in the ancient world, before Augustine transformed it for the Latin tradition.Less
This chapter provides a prelude into the terms of the Problem of Paganism, as it would be discussed in the West until the end of the seventeenth century. It begins by looking at the earliest Christian reaction to ancient paganism, in the New Testament texts which became points of reference in later discussions. Elements of the Problem of Paganism are found from very early in the Christian tradition: not in the Gospels, set in their firmly Jewish environment, but in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul's letter to the Romans. The chapter then offers a glimpse of how the problem was addressed by Christians in the ancient world, before Augustine transformed it for the Latin tradition.
Richard Hillier
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198147862
- eISBN:
- 9780191672330
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198147862.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
Arator passed over the difficulties associated with one passage of the Acts of the Apostles — the separation of baptism from the laying on of hands and ...
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Arator passed over the difficulties associated with one passage of the Acts of the Apostles — the separation of baptism from the laying on of hands and the gift of the Spirit, which apparently Philip did not or could not bestow — and instead concentrated on the nature of that gift and the conditions necessary for its bestowal. Arator is at pains to point out that baptism is no magic remedy which dissolves the stains of sin and ensures eternal salvation. Inspired by Augustine's identification of Simon Magus with the raven, Arator elaborates an exposition of the passage which is both neat and highly pertinent. Just as in the days of the flood both the dove and the raven were cleansed in the ark, so in Samaria both true penitents and the sinful Simon were baptized; however, both raven and magician fail to find salvation. The symbolism of the raven was more obscure and intriguing than that of the dove, and had already inspired a rich tradition of exegesis in the works of earlier Christian writers.Less
Arator passed over the difficulties associated with one passage of the Acts of the Apostles — the separation of baptism from the laying on of hands and the gift of the Spirit, which apparently Philip did not or could not bestow — and instead concentrated on the nature of that gift and the conditions necessary for its bestowal. Arator is at pains to point out that baptism is no magic remedy which dissolves the stains of sin and ensures eternal salvation. Inspired by Augustine's identification of Simon Magus with the raven, Arator elaborates an exposition of the passage which is both neat and highly pertinent. Just as in the days of the flood both the dove and the raven were cleansed in the ark, so in Samaria both true penitents and the sinful Simon were baptized; however, both raven and magician fail to find salvation. The symbolism of the raven was more obscure and intriguing than that of the dove, and had already inspired a rich tradition of exegesis in the works of earlier Christian writers.
Richard Hillier
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198147862
- eISBN:
- 9780191672330
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198147862.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
Is it possible that there were specific works of which Arator had first-hand knowledge and upon whose contents he drew during the writing of the ...
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Is it possible that there were specific works of which Arator had first-hand knowledge and upon whose contents he drew during the writing of the Historia Apostolica? There are undoubtedly works which were well known at the time Arator was writing, and it comes as no surprise that these are the works with which Arator would seem to have been most familiar. One work which poses a problem is the Physiologus, where there is also a fable of the eagle's rebirth. The amount of material devoted to baptism in the Historia Apostolica far exceeds the amount contained in the text it purports to explain. And so, just as Arator began his commentary by departing from the text of the Acts of the Apostles and including an account of the saving events which alone made the subsequent acts of baptism and conversion possible, namely the descensus and resurrection of Christ, so in the closing lines of the work he looks beyond the final words of Acts to the ministry and imminent martyrdom of Peter and Paul.Less
Is it possible that there were specific works of which Arator had first-hand knowledge and upon whose contents he drew during the writing of the Historia Apostolica? There are undoubtedly works which were well known at the time Arator was writing, and it comes as no surprise that these are the works with which Arator would seem to have been most familiar. One work which poses a problem is the Physiologus, where there is also a fable of the eagle's rebirth. The amount of material devoted to baptism in the Historia Apostolica far exceeds the amount contained in the text it purports to explain. And so, just as Arator began his commentary by departing from the text of the Acts of the Apostles and including an account of the saving events which alone made the subsequent acts of baptism and conversion possible, namely the descensus and resurrection of Christ, so in the closing lines of the work he looks beyond the final words of Acts to the ministry and imminent martyrdom of Peter and Paul.
Christopher Stroup
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780300247893
- eISBN:
- 9780300252187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300247893.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the importance of ethnicity and ethnic rhetoric to the formation of ancient Christian identity. The cities of the Roman Empire were filled with gods ...
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This introductory chapter provides an overview of the importance of ethnicity and ethnic rhetoric to the formation of ancient Christian identity. The cities of the Roman Empire were filled with gods and the citizens who honored them with festivals, processions, buildings, and benefactions. The followers of Jesus—later called Christians—lived and moved in these cities, navigating avenues lined with statues honoring various deities, organizing their days and months around the feast days that structured civic calendars, and wandering past (and through) the many temples and shrines that populated the busy urban landscape. The importance of this urban context should not be overlooked: civic, ethnic, and religious identities were intertwined with these visible, material, and practical signs of communal life, wherever one was placed within the city's bustling topography. Connections between life in the city and daily religious practices were therefore fundamental to the development of Christian identity. This book then compares the literary construction of Jewish and Christian identity in Acts of the Apostles with the material construction of various ethnic and civic identities by inhabitants of Roman-era cities. It argues that Acts represents Jewish identity as hybrid and multiple in order to situate the earliest Christians within the Greco-Roman city as members of an ideal Jewish community, which was both ancestral and accepted in the city.Less
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the importance of ethnicity and ethnic rhetoric to the formation of ancient Christian identity. The cities of the Roman Empire were filled with gods and the citizens who honored them with festivals, processions, buildings, and benefactions. The followers of Jesus—later called Christians—lived and moved in these cities, navigating avenues lined with statues honoring various deities, organizing their days and months around the feast days that structured civic calendars, and wandering past (and through) the many temples and shrines that populated the busy urban landscape. The importance of this urban context should not be overlooked: civic, ethnic, and religious identities were intertwined with these visible, material, and practical signs of communal life, wherever one was placed within the city's bustling topography. Connections between life in the city and daily religious practices were therefore fundamental to the development of Christian identity. This book then compares the literary construction of Jewish and Christian identity in Acts of the Apostles with the material construction of various ethnic and civic identities by inhabitants of Roman-era cities. It argues that Acts represents Jewish identity as hybrid and multiple in order to situate the earliest Christians within the Greco-Roman city as members of an ideal Jewish community, which was both ancestral and accepted in the city.
Matthew Thiessen
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780190271756
- eISBN:
- 9780190271770
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190271756.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
The conclusion reiterates the major findings of the book and then argues that corroborating support for this interpretation of Paul can be found in the Acts of the Apostles. While one must exercise ...
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The conclusion reiterates the major findings of the book and then argues that corroborating support for this interpretation of Paul can be found in the Acts of the Apostles. While one must exercise due caution in using Acts as an historical source for reconstructing Paul’s life and thought, it nonetheless shows that the reading offered in this book finds support from one early reception of Paul’s thinking. Using immanent criticism, the conclusion ends by addressing interpreters with Christian commitments, challenging them to grapple more fully with the tensions created by Lutheran and new-perspective readings of Paul’s thinking: if such readings are correct, then Acts, the canonical introduction to Paul’s letters, not only is historically wrong, but it also gives a theologically misguided interpretation of Paul.Less
The conclusion reiterates the major findings of the book and then argues that corroborating support for this interpretation of Paul can be found in the Acts of the Apostles. While one must exercise due caution in using Acts as an historical source for reconstructing Paul’s life and thought, it nonetheless shows that the reading offered in this book finds support from one early reception of Paul’s thinking. Using immanent criticism, the conclusion ends by addressing interpreters with Christian commitments, challenging them to grapple more fully with the tensions created by Lutheran and new-perspective readings of Paul’s thinking: if such readings are correct, then Acts, the canonical introduction to Paul’s letters, not only is historically wrong, but it also gives a theologically misguided interpretation of Paul.