Abstract
The aim of this article is to analyse Philippians 4:1-9 from a rhetorical perspective that differs from the typical approach of researchers, who tend to force ancient rhetorical categories on the letter . Using a text-centred approach, it is argued that the dominant rhetorical strategy in this section could be described as: “Urging the Philippians to live the gospel”. The section is divided into three phases, namely 4:1 (commanding the Philippians to stand firm for the sake of the gospel); 4:2-3 (calling on certain individuals to be united in their work for the gospel); and 4:1-9 (commanding the Philippians to practise certain key characteristics of the Christian life). The section and its phases are demarcated by rhetorical considerations. In analysing the rhetorical strategies and techniques in 4:1-9 the focus is on the way Paul argues, on the type of arguments he uses and on the rhetorical techniques that could enhance the impact of his communication. All these strategies and techniques serve to persuade the Philippians to live the gospel, in response to a situation where they were experiencing serious problems and were tempted to abandon their struggle.
Highlights
Philippians has been a subject of much discussion among scholars who base their analyses upon the Roman rhetorical tradition
The first major rhetorical analysis of the letter as a whole was by Duane Watson (1988), followed by that of Bloomquist (1993), Witherington (1994), Black (1995) and others
Tolmie’s proposal will be summarised, followed by a description of the rhetorical situation that called forth the letter
Summary
Philippians has been a subject of much discussion among scholars who base their analyses upon the Roman rhetorical tradition. The first major rhetorical analysis of the letter as a whole was by Duane Watson (1988), followed by that of Bloomquist (1993), Witherington (1994), Black (1995) and others. For Black (1995:48) again, it is 4:1-9 and for Schenk (1984:280) 4:1-3, 8-9 This wide variety of divisions is one of the main reasons for identifying Paul’s rhetorical strategy from the text itself, rather than using a rhetorical model from outside. Tolmie’s proposal will be summarised, followed by a description of the rhetorical situation that called forth the letter. This is followed by an analysis of 4:1-9, which includes (amongst others) a motivated demarcation of the section and its three phases, all based on rhetorical considerations. I hope to prove that Paul’s rhetorical strategy in 4:1-9 can be reconstructed from the text itself, without forcing a model from outside on the letter
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