A Cosmopolitan Ideal
Overview
What did Paul mean when he declared that there is ‘neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor male and female’ (Galatians 3:28)? While many modern readers understand these words as a statement about human equality, this study shows that it in fact reflects ancient ideas about an ideal or utopian community. With this declaration, Paul contributed to the cultural conversation of his time about such a community.
The three pairs that Paul brings together in this formula all played a role in first-century conceptions of what an ideal world would look like. Such conceptions were influenced by cosmopolitanism, the philosophical idea prevalent at the time that all people were fundamentally connected and could all live in a unified society. Understanding Paul’s thought in the context of these contemporary ideals helps to clarify his attitude towards each of the three pairs in his letters. Like other ancient utopian thinkers, Paul imagined the ideal community to be based on mutual dependence and egalitarian relationships.
Key Features
- Provides the latest, cutting-edge research on the New Testament
- Thoughtful historical analysis of ancient community structure frames in the context of Paul's work
- Presents a view of Paul's ideal community as cosmopolitan
Contents
- One in Christ: The Reality of an Ideal Community
- Neither Jew nor Greek: Eschatological Gentiles and Jewish Cosmopolitanism
- Neither Slave nor Free: Brothers in the Lord
- Nor Male and Female: Marriage at the End of the World
Praise for the Print Edition
This study sheds important light on the range of ancient notions of community to which Paul's “one in Christ” can be compared.
—Theological Studies
An important study that deserves the attention of students and scholars interested in Paul's social context and its importance for his eschatological framework, specifically as it relates to gender, ethno-racial relations, and class distinctions. It makes an insightful, engaging, and persuasive case, and I highly recommend it.
—Catholic Biblical Quarterly
Neutel's work as a whole is impressively researched, admirably presented, and faultlessly edited.
—Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Product Details
- Title: A Cosmopolitan Ideal: Paul’s Declaration ‘Neither Jew Nor Greek, Neither Slave Nor Free, Nor Male and Female’ in the Context of First-Century Thought
- Author: Karin B. Neutel
- Series: Library of New Testament Studies (LNTS)
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Publication Date: 2015
- Pages: 288
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Topic: Pauline Studies