Snatched into paradise (2 Cor. 12:1-10) : Paul's heavenly journey in the context of early Christian experience / James Buchanan Wallace.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wallace, James Buchanan.

Series:

Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und die Kunde der älteren Kirche ; Beiheft 179.

Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und die Kunde der älteren Kirche, 0171-6441 ; Bd. 179

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ascension of the soul--History of doctrines--Early church, ca. 30-600.

Ascension of the soul.

Bible. N.T. Corinthians, 2nd, XII, 1-10--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bible.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (408 p.)

Place of Publication:

Berlin ; New York : De Gruyter, c2011.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Recent scholars have tended to interpret 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 as an attempt to belittle ecstatic experiences, such as Paul's ascent to paradise, in favor of suffering in the service of the gospel. This study offers an alternative. An analysis of ascent traditions in the Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds investigates ascent as both a literary motif and a religious practice. This analysis probes several issues relevant to 2 Cor 12:1-10, including dynamics of ascent and suffering. The study turns next to religious experiences Paul believes he and his communities have undergone. A pattern emerges in which extraordinary experiences provide the basis for suffering and service. Moreover, Paul expects his communities to have had experiences similar to, if less dramatic than, his ascent to heaven. The author argues that in its context in 2 Corinthians, Paul's ascent should be understood as an encounter with Christ that transcends human language and endows Paul with divine power, which must be refined through suffering. With the help of four premodern interpreters, the study further explores the theological relevance of Paul's ascent. For Paul, mystical encounter with Christ forms the precondition for suffering and service because it enables self-transcending love for God and neighbors.

Contents:

Front matter

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

1. Introduction

2. Ascent to Heaven in the Greco Roman World

3. Ascent to Heaven in Ancient Judaism and Christianity

4. Religious Experience in Paul's Letters

5. Second Corinthians 12:1-10 in its Context

6. Premodern Interpretation of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 in the Eastern Church

Epilogue

Bibliography

Index of Ancient Texts

Index of Modern Authors

Index of Subjects

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

9786613166142

9781283166140

1283166143

9783110247855

3110247852

OCLC:

723945547