Other Writings/Traditions

Abstract

Other Writings/Traditions Christopher T. Begg and Michael W. Duggan 2383. [Abraham in Philo] Sean A. Adams, "Abraham in Philo of Alexandria," Abraham in Judaism and Early Christianity, 75-92 [see #2424]. In the above essay, A. adopts a "character theory approach" and seeks to evaluate how Philo reads Abraham's life in light of his relationships. Specifically, A. argues that modern theories about how character is developed in narratives can be profitably applied to Philo's interpretation of the Genesis narrative. In particular, an interfigural approach, which identifies relations between characters within a given text or from different texts, highlights how Philo defines Abraham through his engagement with and relationship to other characters, esp., though not limited to, Sarah, Isaac, Lot, and Pharaoh. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.] 2384. [3 Maccabees; Intoxication Topos] Nicholas P. L. Allen and Pierre J. Jordaan, "Filled with the Spirit; Or New Wine, Which Cheers Both God and Men? Analyzing the Topos of Intoxication in 3 Maccabees," JNSL 45 (2, 2019) 1-18. This paper explores the topos of intoxication in its application to the reading of 3 Maccabees. In particular, A. and J. examine the use of the topos as part of a Hellenistic rhetorical strategy that is designed to highlight the differences between Jews and non-Jews and between the righteous and non-righteous actors in the narrative. In the course of their study, it becomes evident that the author of the book uses the above topos to focus attention on issues of orthopraxy and heteropraxy. Ultimately, A. and J. identify three dimensions to 3 Maccabees' use of the intoxication topos: (1) in association with King Philopater and his friends as adherents of the cult of Dionysius; (2) to highlight the irrational behaviors of drunken partygoers who exhibit qualities that are opposed to both Dionysian and Jewish [End Page 852] orthopraxy; (3) in ironic and antithetical fashion, alcohol, from 3 Macc 6:30 on, suddenly becomes a symbol of orthopraxy. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.] 2385. [Abraham in Josephus] Michael Avioz, "Abraham in Josephus' Writings," Abraham in Jewish and Early Christian Literature, 93-108 [see #2424]. In his essay on Abraham in the Josephan corpus, A. argues that his treatment of the patriarch should be seen above all as an exegetical project. A.'s categorization of Josephus's writings as "exegesis" differs from the taxonomy proposed by S. Docherty (see #2393) for "Rewritten Scripture" texts, with A. arguing that as an exegete Josephus is primarily concerned with translating the biblical text into Greek, resolving contradictions in the Hebrew Bible, and addressing problematic ethical issues that might have troubled Graeco-Roman readers—all of which strategies are on display in his handling of the biblical Abraham narrative. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.] 2386. [4 Macc 15:29] Grzegorz M. Baran, "'Mother of the Nation (Mḗtēr éthnous)' (4 Macc. 15:29)—Mother of Seven Maccabean Sons as Patriarchess of New-Quality Nation," RB 127 (2020) 5-34. The mother of the seven sons, during the martyrdom of her children, is portrayed in 4 Maccabees as displaying the same attitudes as Abraham. The book's describing her with the use of typically masculine terms also underlines her great authority and special role within a patriarchal society. Her title mētēr ethnous in 4 Macc 15:29 can therefore be interpreted within the context of the book as a whole in light of the person and mission of the patriarch Abraham. In particular, the mother can be seen as a "patriarchess of a new-quality nation" consisting of those who, through their obedience to the Law in the face of various difficulties, inherit not so much earthly goods as an eternal reward. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.] 2387. [1 Corinthians 5–7; Deuteronomy] Pasquale Basta, "'So you shall put away the evil from among you': Exclusion from the Community in Deuteronomy and in the Early Pauline Churches (1 Corinthians 5–7)," Bib 100 (2019) 426-54. The Letters of Paul not only feature extensive quotations of OT Scripture but also echo OT motifs...