Politeumaas a Hybrid Patriotic Identity in Christ: A Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation of Philippians 3:20

Abstract

This article argues that Paul, in Philippians 3:17–21, borrows the present honorable civic identity of the first readers, namely, patriotic merchant, to persuade them to be transformed into Christ-citizens running with the King of Kings forever in the future. Drawing on insights from the concept of possible social identities, a new socio-rhetorical interpretation of Philippians 3:17–21 is proposed. Instead of eliminating or marginalizing it, I argue that Paul makes use of the civic identity “patriotic merchant” of the first readers to construct a new hybrid social identity. Not only is there no anti-imperial connotation, but first readers may also hear Paul's encouragement to retain their civic identity re-oriented in their new future hybrid social identity.