Paul's Language Research Articles

Indian parallelism on unary ol systems

In this paper we impose the Indian parallelism restriction on the unary developmental system, i. e. on UOL system. We observe that corresponding to any PaUL language we can get a unary language of Restricted parallel content free language (RPaCLUL). Section 1 deals with definitions and Section 2 deals with some propoerties of PaUL systems. In Section 3, we compare PaUL language with unary languages of parallel content free grammars and also characterize some subfamilies of PaUL languages. In the last section, we state a few hierarchial and closure properties.

Nothing

“The concept of nothing is known to most readers in the formula ‘creation out of nothing' (creatio ex nihilo), which was adopted in Christian theology to distinguish the biblical view of creation from all others. The formula itself is not found in the Scriptures, though there is something very close to it in Paul's language about God ‘who calls into existence the things that do not exist' (Rom. 4:17).”

Barnabas in Galatians

Because of Barnabas' prominent role in the evangeli zation of Galatia his minor role in Paul's letter to the Galatians requires explanation. An examination of the relevant passages shows how Paul's language reflects his recent disappointment over Barnabas' behaviour in the crisis at Antioch (Gal.2:13), and illuminates the Sitz im Leben of the letter.

Romans 8.26—towards a theology of glossolalia?

Traditionally Romans 8.26 has been a text to which at least some Pentecostals have appealed as scriptural support for the practice of speaking in tongues. However, this interpretation has by no means found favour with all commentators: Adolf Schlatter explicitly denies it, arguing that (a) the powerlessness that is described here is not an affliction peculiar to a few individuals but is the mark of all Christian prayer, whereas speaking with tongues is considered by Paul to be a gift given to certain individuals only, (b) it is a gift of thanksgiving and of singing of God's secrets, not of groaning, and (c) it is not ‘unspeakable’, for some interpreted it.2 Rather, he argues, the groaning here is wordless, but yet intercessory. Many commentators share Schlatter's view that Paul's language here does not fit the phenomenon of glossolalia: so Dodd refers to an ‘inarticulate aspiration’ that expresses itself in ‘sighs that are beyond words’, and Barrett explicitly prefers to see here a reference to an immediate communion between the ‘Spirit (-filled worshipper) and God’ which needs no spoken word.