Synopses & Reviews
A masterful study of one of Paul's most complex, interesting, and uplifting letters.
Paul's Epistle to the church at Philippi has long stood out as his most joyful letter. It is addressed to his favorite congregation, the converts who were his most devoted followers. At a time when Paul lacked the support of most of the other churches he founded, the Christians at Philippi sent him financial gifts and even an apostle of their own, Epaphroditus, to aid him in his mission and comfort him during his imprisonment. In appreciation, Paul offered them praise and support, encouraging them to pursue a creative theology (in 2: 6-11) and to seek greater maturity in their faith in the face of considerable civic opposition and threats from Hellenistic ideologies.
For centuries, Philippians was thought to be a single letter written by Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome. In recent years, however, John Reumann and other scholars have come to the consensus that it is actually three separate letters, two of which were written from a prison in Ephesus. Reumann discusses in the introduction why he reached this conclusion, going on to provide a translation and commentary that will stand as the definitive study of this important Epistle for decades to come.
Review
"Welcome what should be the commentary of Philippians for the next generation."Edgar Krentz, Currents in Theology and Mission --Catholic Historical Review
Review
"A fantastic resource for scholars."Mark Keown,
Colloquium --Edgar Krentz - Currents in Theology and Mission
Synopsis
In Philippians John Reumann offers both classical approaches and new methods of understanding this New Testament book. With fresh commentary on the social world and rhetorical criticism, and special focus on the contributions of the Philippian house churches to Pauls work and early Christian mission, Reumann clarifies Pauls attitudes toward and interactions with the Philippians.
Departing from traditional readings of Philippians in light of Acts, Reumann allows Paul to speak in his own right. His three letters from Ephesus shed new light on relationships, and we come to see how he approves some aspects of the dominant culture of friendship” in Greco-Roman Philippi while disapproving others. He seeks to help the Philippians discern how to be citizens of the heavenly kingdom and also Caesars state, though there is an undercurrent of Christ vs. Caesar.” Scholars, students, and general readers alike will find much of interest in John Reumanns deeply researched and insightful new volume.
About the Author
John Reumann is Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor of New Testament and Greek, emeritus, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, where he taught for some fifty years. He has studied and written on Philippians for over thirty years.