The unity of male and female in Jesus Christ : an exegetical study of Galatians 3.28c in light of Paul's theology of promise / Gesila Nneka Uzukwu.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Uzukwu, Gesila Nneka, author.

Series:

Library of New Testament studies. International studies on Christian origins

Library of New Testament studies ; 531.

T & T Clark library of biblical studies

International studies on Christian origins

Library of New Testament studies

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Galatians, III, 28C--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bible.

Physical Description:

xxi, 250 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York, NY : Bloomsbury T&T Clark, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2015.

Summary:

This detailed exegetical study of Galatians 3.28c in the light of 3.14-29 and 4.21-31 shows not only how integral this verse is to chapters 3 and 4 of the letter, but also that it is the key to understanding Paul's theological argument of promise in Galatians. Paul's use of the story of Abraham in 3.14-29 and of Sarah in 4.21-31 in light of God's promise to the patriarch and the matriarch in Genesis 17 have implications, displays the joint rote of Abraham and Sarah in bringing about the promise, and underscores the unity of the believers in Christ. In light of this, Uzukwu examines important aspects of the history of the interpretation of Gal 3.28c. Uzukwu sheds light on the link between Gal 3.28 and the three expressions of gratitude found in Greek writings. Links are also revealed to the three blessings of gratitude that appear at the beginning of the Jewish cycle of morning prayers, Gen 1.27c (in the Septuagint), and the alleged pre-Pauline baptismal formula. She goes further to demonstrate how 3.28c is related to the unity of Galatians 3-4, focusing on the theme of the promise as the text discusses the effect of the Christ event in bringing about the fulfilment of that promise. Book jacket.

Contents:

Chapter 1 A Review of Important Aspects of the History of Interpretation of Galatians 3.28c 3

Introduction 3

1.1 Galatians 3.28 and the Three Expressions of Gratitude Found in Greek Writings 4

1.2 Galatians 3.28 and its Alleged Relationship to the Three Blessings of Gratitude Found in Rabbinic Writings 8

1.3 Galatians 3.28 and its Alleged Relationship to Genesis 1.27c LXX 17

1.4 Galatians 3.28 and the Presupposed Pre-Pauline Baptismal Formula 23

Conclusion 30

Chapter 2 Understanding Galatians 3.28c Within the Structure of the Letter to the Galatians 32

Introduction 32

2.1 Scholarly Approaches to Understanding Galatians 3.28c in the Structure of the Letter to the Galatians 32

2.2 Delimitation of Galatians 3.28 in Context of the Theme of Promise 39

2.2.1 The Unity of Galatians 3-4 39

2.2.2 The Wider Context of Galatians 3.28 in 3.14-29 and 4.21-31 42

2.2.3 Galatians 3.26-29 as the Immediate Literary Context of 3.28 44

2.2.4 Understanding the Baptismal Message of Galatians 3.27 in tire Context of Galatians 46

Conclusion 49

Chapter 3 Abraham and the Promise: Galatians 3.14-29 51

Introduction 51

3.1 Brief Discussion on the Narrative Element in Galatians 51

3.2 Definition of Terms 53

3.3 The Theology of Promise in Galatians 3.14-29: A Brief Overview 54

3.4 The Identity and Role of Abraham in Galatians 3.14-29: A Brief Overview 61

3.5 Paul's Christological Rereading of the Role and Identity of Abraham in Relation to the Promise in Galatians 3.14, 16, 18, and 29 64

3.5.1 Abraham in Galatians 3.14 64

3.5.2 Abraham in Galatians 3.16 70

3.5.3 Abraham in Galatians 3.18 80

3.5.4 Abraham in Galatians 3.29 85

Conclusion 88

Chapter 4 Understanding the Role of Sarah in Relation to the Promise: Galatians 4.21-31 90

Introduction 90

4.1 Understanding the Meaning of αλληγορεω in Galatians 4.24a 91

4.2 Understanding the Use of διαθηχη in Galatians 4.24b 98

4.3 The Theology of Promise in 4.21-31 101

4.3.1 The Law and Promise in 4.21-23 102

4.3.2 The Use of ελευθερα in Relation to Sarah in 4.21-23 104

4.4 Hagar and the Law in Galatians 4.24b-25 108

4.4.1 Scholarly Debate about Hagar and the Law in Galatians 4.24b-25 109

4.4.2 Understanding the Figure of Hagar in 4.24c-25 in Light of the Role of the Law as a παιδαγωγος 112

4.5 Sarah and the Promise in Galatians 4.26-27 116

4.5.1 'Ιερουσαλημ in Galatians 4.26 117

4.5.2 η δε ανω 'Ιεροθσαλημ ελευθερα εστιν ητις εστιν μητηρ ημων, Galatians 4.26 119

4.5.3 The Barren Woman of Galatians 4.27 122

4.6 The Participation of the Gentiles in the Promise, Galatians 4.28-31 129

4.6.1 Paul's View about Gentiles' Participation in the Promise in 4.28 and 31 130

Conclusion 132

Chapter 5 An Exegetical Study of Galatians 3.28, And In Particular 3.28c, In The Context of the Theme of Promise 134

Introduction 134

5.1 The Meaning and Use of 'Ιουδαιος and "Ελλην 134

5.2 The Meaning and Use of δουλος/ελευθερος 140

5.2.1 The Definition of δουλος 140

5.2.2 The Use of the Concept of Slavery in Paul's Writings 141

5.2.3 Scholarly Presuppositions about the Notion of Slavery in Galatians 143

5.2.4 The Literal Use of Slave Language in Galatians 149

5.2.5 The Meaning of and Use of ελευθερια 154

5.2.6 The Notion of Freedom in Galatians 3.28b and in 4.21-31 164

5.3 The Use of the Concept of αρσερ/θηλυ in Galatians 3.28c 169

5.3.1 υιος 170

5.3.2 Τεχνον 170

5.3.3 σπερμα 172

5.3.4 στειρα, ωδινω, and τιχτω 174

5.4 The Meaning and Use of ενι in the Expression ουχ ενι αρσεν χαι θηλν in Galatians 3.28c 175

5.5 The Importance of the Use of χαι in Galatians 3.28c 179

Conclusion 181

Chapter 6 The Unity of Male and Female in Christ 183

Introduction 183

6.1 παντεσ γαρ υμεισ 183

6.2 εισ εστε εν Χριστω 'Ιησον 185

6.2.1 The Understanding of εις as 'One' with Emphasis on Christ the Androgynous Being 185

6.2.2 The Understanding of εις as 'Single1 or 'Only One', with Emphasis on Unity 186

6.3 The Meaning of Galatians 3.28d: An Attempt at Resolving the Tension 191

6.4 Understanding Galatians 3.28c in the Context of 3.29 198

Conclusion 200.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780567661531

0567661539

OCLC:

908935438