Paul the Ancient Letter Writer: An Introduction to Epistolary Analysis - Paperback

by Jeffrey A. D. Weima (Author)

This clear and user-friendly introduction to the interpretive method called "epistolary analysis" shows how focusing on the form and function of Paul's letters yields valuable insights into the apostle's purpose and meaning. The author helps readers interpret Paul's letters properly by paying close attention to the apostle's use of ancient letter-writing conventions. Paul is an extremely skilled letter writer who deliberately adapts or expands traditional epistolary forms so that his persuasive purposes are enhanced. This is an ideal supplemental textbook for courses on Paul or the New Testament. It contains numerous analyses of key Pauline texts, including a final chapter analyzing the apostle's Letter to Philemon as a "test case" to demonstrate the benefits of this interpretive approach.

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Weima's masterful study sets before readers the benefits of paying close attention to the structure of Paul's letters. The chapters investigate standard features as well as changes in the regular patterns in the opening, thanksgiving, body, and closing sections of Paul's epistles. Weima writes with great clarity and deep insight, laying out the ways in which close attention to these epistolary features can enrich and enlarge our understanding of these letters. This work will benefit scholars, students, and general readers with the clear presentation of ideas and the helpful application of those concepts to real examples from Paul's letters--an outstanding book from a seasoned and much-respected scholar.
--Paul Foster, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh

"This comprehensive study of the method and literary analysis of the epistles is a valuable resource for both the beginning student of exegesis and the experienced practitioner. Weima brings together the history of research and decades of his own work, moving beyond the identification of ancient literary conventions to demonstrate the ways in which Paul has shaped them for his own purposes. The book is unparalleled among current books on epistolography."
--James W. Thompson, Graduate School of Theology, Abilene Christian University

"Weima's work on Paul as the writer of letters is an essential resource for anyone who studies the Pauline Epistles. The author is obviously a master teacher because the book is marked by an unusual clarity and organization. Weima clearly explains various literary conventions that are used, but best of all he gives ample examples to illustrate the different conventions. I learned much from this book and recommend it gladly to students, pastors, and scholars."
--Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"An eminently readable introduction to the method and value of epistolary analysis. As Weima guides readers through the four major sections of Paul's letters, he shows with clarity and care how Paul both reflects and creatively adapts ancient epistolary conventions. The detailed epistolary analysis of Paul's Letter to Philemon at the end of the book offers a helpful test case that illustrates the interpretive value of this approach. I highly commend this excellent resource to all interested in the letters of Paul and of other early Christians."
--David Downs, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Jeffrey A. D. Weima (PhD, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) is professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has taught for more than twenty years. He has taught all over the world and leads biblical study tours to Greece, Turkey, Italy, Israel, and Jordan. Weima has authored several books, including 1-2 Thessalonians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.