The Spirit World in the Letters of Paul the Apostle

Abstract

This book provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the role of spiritual beings in the authentic Pauline epistles, the first work to give an exhaustive and systematic account in recent years. Contrary to the views of many scholars, that spirits are trivial or irrelevant within Paul's writings, this monograph argues that they are inherent features of the letters. Read within their historical and cultural context, the epistles can be seen to participate in widely held assumptions about the role and influence of spiritual powers. This argument allows for a fresh perspective on a neglected theme, allowing for a re-evaluation of aspects of Paul's letters. Part One sets out the problems of interpreting the spirit world, with reference to the agendas of modern scholars and ancient readers. Part Two then examines angelology and demonology, progressing through the main inhabitants of the Pauline spirit world: angels, Satan, demons, powers, etc. Finally, Part Three sets out the key thrust of the argument: the spirit world may be regarded as inherent in the letters because it is integrated into major Pauline themes. This thesis is put forward by analysing the role played by spirits in helping to shape three areas of concern for Paul: his Christology, soteriology, and sense of community. Such an integrated approach yields a new way of perceiving the place and importance of spirits, not as a major or minor doctrine but as an axiomatic and cultural idiom in the Pauline texts.