Interprets Pauls letter in light of its rhetorical content and cultural context
Skeptical of the trend among many biblical scholars to analyze Pauls short, affectionate letter to the Philippians in light of Greco-Roman letter-writing conventions, Ben Witherington instead looks at Philippians as a masterful piece of long-distance oratory an extension of Pauls oral speech, dictated to a scribe and meant to be read aloud to its recipients. Witherington examines Philippians in light of Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions, identifying Pauls purpose, highlighting his main points and his persuasive strategies, and considering how his original audience would have heard and received Pauls message.
Skeptical of the trend among many biblical scholars to analyze Pauls short, affectionate letter to the Philippians in light of Greco-Roman letter-writing conventions, Ben Witherington instead looks at Philippians as a masterful piece of long-distance oratory an extension of Pauls oral speech, dictated to a scribe and meant to be read aloud to its recipients. Witherington examines Philippians in light of Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions, identifying Pauls purpose, highlighting his main points and his persuasive strategies, and considering how his original audience would have heard and received Pauls message.
