Paul's gift from Philippi
Subtitle: conventions of gift-exchange and Christian giving
By: G.W. Peterman.
Series: Monograph series / Society for New Testament studies ;; 92; Monograph series (Society for New Testament Studies) ;; 92.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Cambridge; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 246
Subjects: Bible. N.T. Philippians IV, 10-20 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.; Christian giving -- Biblical teaching.; Gifts -- Rome.; Rome -- Social life and customs.
Description: This book is a study of Paul's response to the financial help he received from the church in Philippi whilst he was a prisoner in Rome. Philippians 4.10-20 has always puzzled commentators because of its seemingly strained and tortured mode of thanks. Word studies, psychological studies and literary studies have all failed to provide insight into the text, which is unique in the Pauline corpus.

Using contemporary sources Dr Peterman reexamines this difficult passage in the light of Greek and Roman practices and language regarding the exchange of gifts and favours in society. He concludes that 'gift exchange' or 'social reciprocity', with its expectations and obligations, permeated every level of society in Paul's day, and that Paul's seemingly ungracious response was an attempt to create a new, Christian attitude to gifts and to giving.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 216-229) and indexes.
Revision of thesis (Ph.D)--Kings College, London, 1992.