Philippians & Philemon (Sacra Pagina | SP)
Overview
Although relatively brief, Philippians is one of the most interesting and beloved of Paul’s undisputed epistles. In Philippians and Philemon, Bonnie Thurston makes a convincing case that canonical Philippians is as Paul wrote it, one letter. Although there is not enough specific evidence to “name names,” she suggests a number of possible audiences. A translation conforming as closely as possible to the original Greek is provided, along with a careful analysis of the language of the letter that yields insights into the context and theological underpinning of this epistle.
The apostle’s very brief letter to Philemon stands solidly within the Pauline collection of authentic and canonical letters. In this volume, Judith Ryan argues that Philemon makes two specific appeals. The first seeks to elicit Philemon’s partnership and his community’s support in welcoming Onesimus back as both beloved brother and honored guest. The second requests that Onesimus be allowed to use the freedom he already has to serve Christ and his Gospel. In this commentary Ryan provides a fresh translation, critical notes for each verse, and interpretation on defined sections. She situates the letter in the historical context of slavery in the ancient world and shows how Paul combined his theology with contemporary rhetorical strategies to produce an effective challenge to his audience.
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- Presents a thorough commentary on Philippians and Philemon
- Explores the context and theological underpinning of Philippians
- Offers a fresh translation, critical notes, and interpretation for of Philemon
Top Highlights
“‘Humility’ would have been a startling word in the ears of the original audience because it was a slave virtue, not a quality touted for proud citizens of a Roman city.” (Page 74)
“It emphasizes that Jesus refused to take advantage of the position that was his (as opposed to oriental despots who used their positions for their own advantage) and, in fact, understood his position to mean the self-negation described in vv. 7–8.” (Page 81)
“‘… each is to climb down from the throne on which he sits, and to mind and seek after the one end, which is then also that of the others and in which all must find their way to unity’” (Page 76)
“The attitude suggested here is the same as that at 1:18. The phrase seems a surprising turn, but is consistent with the rhetoric of friendship. Friends do not always have to agree.” (Page 131)
“Paul’s deep, existential understanding of the implications of ‘Emmanuel,’ God with us, as a motive for action.” (Page 145)
Bonnie B. Thurston lives in West Virginia in solitude. She is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the author of several books, including The Spiritual Landscape of Mark, Religious Vows, the Sermon on the Mount, and Christian Living, and Preaching Mark.
Judith M. Ryan is associate professor of New Testament at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary, Houston, Texas. Previously she taught at Catholic University of America, Fordham University, the University of Scranton, College Misericordia, and St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland.
