Abstract

This article endeavours to analyse Phil. 4:10-23 from a different perspective to approaches which tend to force ancient rhetorical categories on the letter. On the basis of a text-centred approach, this part of the letter is divided into two sectons, namely 4:10-20 and 21-23. Paul's dominant rhetorical strategy in 4:10-20 could be described as “Strengthening his special relationship with the Philippians by thanking them for their co-operation in the work of the gospel”. In the second section (4:21- 23) Paul instructs the church leaders to greet all God's people in Philippi. In analysing the rhetorical strategies and techniques in 4:10-23, the focus is on the manner in which Paul argues, the type of arguments he uses and the rhetorical techniques that could enhance the impact of his communication. All these strategies and techniques enable Paul to achieve his rhetorical objectives.Acta Theologica Vol. 2 2007: pp. 168-185

Highlights

  • Rhetorical analyses of Paul’s letters focus on the manner in which the apostle persuaded or encouraged his audience by means of his letters

  • The first major analysis of Philippians was made by Duane Watson, “A rhetorical analysis of Philippians and its implications for the unity question”, published in Novum Testamentum 30 of 1988

  • My ultimate aim is to contribute towards a better understanding of the persuasive strategies in the Letter to the Philippians and, to the outline of a truly Pauline rhetoric

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Rhetorical analyses of Paul’s letters focus on the manner in which the apostle persuaded or encouraged his audience by means of his letters. A recent proposal in this respect is the publication Persuading the Galatians (2005), in which Francois Tolmie starts his analysis by constructing the rhetorical situation, that is, the broad outline of what Paul wants to achieve in the letter. He formulates a “minimal theoretical framework”, consisting of the. An integral part of Tolmie’s proposal is the identification of the rhetorical techniques Paul uses to enhance the impact of his communication He concludes his analysis of Galatians by describing the manner in which the argument of the letter as a whole has been organised.. My ultimate aim is to contribute towards a better understanding of the persuasive strategies in the Letter to the Philippians and, to the outline of a truly Pauline rhetoric

RHETORICAL CONTEXT
Introduction
Philippians 4:10-20
Philippians 4:21-23
CONCLUSION

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