Polemic of the Pastorals (Library of New Testament Studies | LNTS)
Overview
Much historical-critical work on the opponents in the Pastoral Epistles has resulted in sweeping generalizations concerning their Jewish and/or Gnostic nature. Literary analyses have been somewhat more promising in focusing on the stereotypical nature of the polemic, but either fail to do justice to the urgency of the language in the Pastorals or do not provide a convincing description of the opponents.
Here Pietersen approaches the problem of the opponents from a socio-scientific perspective. Utilizing labeling theory and social control theory from the sociology of deviance, he argues that the Pastorals function as a literary version of a status degradation ceremony whereby previously influential insiders within the community are transformed into outsiders.
Top Highlights
“What is most significant is that characteristics of Paul as depicted in the legend tradition are opposed. 2 Tim. 3:6–7 describes precisely the actions attributed to Paul in AP in connection with Thecla, Artemilla, and Eubola.” (Page 24)
“The author of the Pastorals seeks to combat the opponents by appealing to Paul as primarily a teacher and by claiming to represent authentic Pauline tradition.” (Page 1)
“2 Tim. 2:18 is the key text in evaluating the teaching of the opponents” (Page 10)
“a literary version of a status degradation ceremony” (Page 1)
- Title: Polemic of the Pastorals
- Author: Lloyd K. Pietersen
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Publication Date: 2004
- Pages: 182
- Volume 264 in the Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement series