Abstract
Using postcolonial analysis to account for the Roman Empire’s pervasive presence in and influence on early Jesus-follower communities (early Christians), as depicted in New Testament texts, is both evident (given its usefulness for analysing situations of unequal power relationships) and complicated. The complications are due partly to the material and conceptual potential and constraints inherent in postcolonial biblical studies, as well as to the complexities involved in dealing with empire and imperialism. The study of the Roman Empire, as far as its impact on early Christianity and (in this article) on the letters of Paul is concerned, requires attention to Empire’s material manifestation, ideological support for Empire, and religious aspects – issues that are identified and briefly discussed. Empire can be understood in many different ways, but it was also constantly constructed and negotiated by both the powerful and the subjugated and therefore attention is required for its possible reach, uses and the purposeful application of discursive power in New Testament texts that were contemporary with Empire.
Highlights
The materiality of life in the first-century CE Mediterranean context was determined largely by the omnipresent and omnipotent Roman Empire in its various forms and guises
But more difficult to account for with immediate references, since it goes beyond citing New Testament texts, requiring attention for the use of discursive power, the context of an all-pervasive Roman imperial presence and practice informed the consciousness and worldview of people around the Mediterranean in the first century CE
Accounting for Empire as a horizon of understanding in New Testament studies has invoked the use of postcolonial criticism and related categories to account for the impact of the Roman Empire on early Christianity,4 given the problematic relationship between texts and socio-historical context
Summary
Empire as material setting and heuristic grid for New Testament interpretation: Comments on the value of postcolonial criticism. Affiliation: 1Department of Old and New Testament, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Postal address: Department of Old and New Testament, Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1314, Matieland 7602, South Africa. How to cite this article: Punt, J., 2010, ‘Empire as material setting and heuristic grid for New Testament interpretation: Comments on the value of postcolonial criticism’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 66(1), Art. Note: Edited version of a paper read at the International SBL Meeting, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, 30 June–04 July 2009
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
