Ancient Rhetorical Theory and Paul

Book excerpt: This new edition of Anderson's Ancient Rhetorical Theory and Paul is the result of a considerable reworking and bringing up-to-date of many aspects of the original book. Anderson, after giving a brief critical introduction to the rhetorical approach generally, focuses upon the application of ancient rhetorical theory to the letters of the apostle Paul, paying particular attention to questions of methodology. He provides an extensive review of the sources of ancient rhetorical theory which may be considered most relevant to a Greek speaker of the first century AD such as Paul, carefully distinguishing between philosophical and school rhetorical theory. Having determined which aspects of ancient rhetorical theory may be most suitable in respect of Paul's letters, Anderson goes to examine the letters to the Galatians, the Romans, and the first letter to the Corinthians. In each case a critical assessment of recent literature concerning the application of ancient rhetorical theory to these letters is given. In addition, an enlightening rhetorical analysis of the doctrinal portions of the letters to the Galatians and Romans is provided from the perspective of contemporary rhetorical theory. Anderson approaches his analysis in terms of how a contemporary professor of rhetoric may have looked at Paul's letters. The study concludes by addressing difficult questions concerning the relationship of Paul's style and argumentation to rhetorical theory and the likelihood of his conscious use of such theory, as well as the overall value of an ancient rhetorical approach to Paul's letters.