To Exhort and Reprove
Overview
Paul's letter to Titus is one of the most neglected letters of the New Testament. Many have contended that it is an incoherent letter devoid of a theological message and purpose. This study proposes otherwise, presenting an entirely new structure for Titus that demonstrates how the theme "Exhort and Reprove to Commendable Works according to the Hope of Eternal Life" unfolds through the chiastic structures in the letter. Jeon not only demonstrates the unity of the letter but also invites the reader to explore other ways chiasms can be used to enhance New Testament interpretation. Any intrigued by Titus, and the Pastoral Letters as a whole, will discover herein a unique approach to the letter and a fresh and invigorating interpretation of its underlying message.
Key Features
- Provides a structural analysis of Paul's letter to Titus
- Argues for the a chiastic organization that guides the contents of the the lwtter
- Includes thoughtful exegesis of this Pauline letter
Contents
- The Chiastic Structures of Titus
- Titus 1:1-4: Paul to Titus according to Faith on the Basis of the Hope of Eternal Life (A)
- Titus 1:5-13a: Exhort with Sound Doctrine and Reprove Opponents (B)
- Titus 1:13b—3:3: reprove and Exhort with Sound doctrine as We await our Savior (B’)
- Titus 3:4–15: Justified by Grace in Faith according to the hope of Eternal Life (A’)
Praise for the Print Edition
Jeon offers a new proposal for the overall structure of this often neglected letter, taking account of all the details of the text to demonstrate not only its comprehensive unity, but the rhetorical power of its chiastic structures. Highly recommended for all students of the Pauline Letters.
—John Paul Heil, The Catholic University of America
Jeon provides a helpful resource for studies in the Book of Titus. He not only succeeds in presenting a persuasive case for the chiastic structure of this epistle, he also integrates this literary structure with the apostle's overall message: namely, to exhort and reprove according to the hope of eternal life. This book will enhance the library of any pastor as well as add to scholarly discussions in Pauline studies.
—Peter Lee, Reformed Theological Seminary
On the basis of a close reading of the Letter to Titus, Jeon uncovers the chiastic structure of this letter, thereby clarifying its purpose and meaning for the general reader as well as for specialists in Pauline studies. Readers of his work will benefit from and appreciate his close exegesis of the text.
—Frank J. Matera, The Catholic University of America
Product Details
- Title: To Exhort and Reprove: Audience Response to the Chiastic Structures of Paul's Letter to Titus
- Author: Paul S. Jeon
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2012
- Pages: 146
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Topic: Pauline Studies