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In Much Of The Scholarship On Paul, Activities Such As Speaking In Tongues, Prophecy, And Miracle Healings Are Either Ignored Or Treated As Singular Occurrences. Typically, These Practices Are Categorized In Such A Way That Shields Paul And His Followers From The Influence Of So-called Paganism. In Signs, Wonders, And Gifts, Jennifer Eyl Masterfully Argues That Paul Did, In Fact, Engage In Range Of Divinatory And Wonder-working Practices That Were Widely Recognized And Accepted Across The Ancient Mediterranean. Eyl Redescribes, Reclassifies, And Recontextualizes Paul's Repertoire Vis-á-vis Such Widespread, Similar Practices. Situating These Activities Within The Larger Framework Of Reciprocity That Dominated Human-divine Relationships In Antiquity, She Demonstrates That Divine Powers And Divine Communication Were Bestowed As Benefactions Toward Paul And His Gentile Followers In Proportion To Their Faithfulness And Loyalty.
This book investigates the extent to which the Apostle Paul engaged in divinatory and wonder-working practices common to the ancient Mediterranean world. Jennifer Eyl, a scholar of early Christianity, challenges the tendency in modern academic discourse to isolate or sanitize Paul’s reported supernatural activities. By recontextualizing these practices within the ancient framework of reciprocity, Eyl argues that Paul’s use of signs and wonders functioned as a system of divine communication and benefaction tied to the faithfulness of his followers.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of early Christian practices by situating them firmly within their historical and cultural context. The text is noted for its rigorous academic approach and its willingness to challenge traditional interpretations of Pauline theology.
Page Count:
272
Publication Date:
2019-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190924667
ISBN-13:
9780190924669
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