A hybrid Christian identity in Philippians 1:15–18

Woo Min Lee

doi:10.4102/hts.v77i4.6216

Abstract

There have been various studies on the passage of Philippians 1:15–18 but there have been few studies on a hybrid aspect of Christian identity implicated in the passage. The aim of the study was to reveal a hybrid aspect of the passage. The socio-historical setting for the study was the Greco-Roman period. For this study, I employed rhetorical criticism, a socio-linguistic approach and an anthropological linguistic approach to the passage, as well as the analysis of the socio-historical and cultural background of the passage. As a result, I found that Paul, who retained his Jewish identity but embraced Christian identity, tried to suggest such a new kind of identity for the intended audience and their community. In this article, I argued that Paul as a hybrid personality urged the Christian community in Philippi to have distinguished Christian habitus and field in Philippians 1:15–18. In particular, Paul persuaded his intended audience or readers to acknowledge and accept even those preachers who had questionable intentions into their Christian community. Such an inclusive attitude was to make a clear distinction between the community and their traditional Greco-Roman socio-cultural background. Contribution: The research on Philippians 1:15–18 reveals a hybrid aspect of Christian identity implicated in the passage. This research would contribute to the biblical studies of the Hervormde Teologiese Studies journal through its rhetorical, socio-linguistic and anthropological approach to the biblical passage of Philippians 1:15–18.

Highlights

In Philippians 1:15–18, Paul, who had a hybrid identity, urged his intended audience to have a distinguished Christian identity in the Greco-Roman cultural and socio-historical context
The main issue that Paul deals with in Philippians 1:15–18 is the proclamation of Christ
Writing this passage to the church at Philippi, Paul reveals his identity as a Christian and his understanding of the ideal Christian community

Summary

Introduction

In Philippians 1:15–18, Paul, who had a hybrid identity, urged his intended audience to have a distinguished Christian identity in the Greco-Roman cultural and socio-historical context. In the passage, he writes to his intended audience or readers about his thoughts regarding the preachers with questionable intentions behind their proclamation of Christ. He suggests a Christian way of accepting those preachers within the Christian community. They usually occupy ‘between the lines’ of dominant cultural practices, which can be called as an ‘in-between’ space (Bhabha 2000:139)

Objectives

Conclusion