Title: Paul's gift from Philippi
First published: 1997
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.
Subjects: Bible, Biblical teaching, Christian giving, Criticism, interpretation, Gifts, Social life and customs, Mœurs et coutumes, Offrande chrétienne, Critique, interprétation, Enseignements, Cadeaux, Manners and customs, Schenkingen, Dons, Enseignement biblique, Exegese, Coutume, Filippenzen (bijbelboek), Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., n. t. epistles, Rome, social life and customs
Places: Rome
LC classification: BS2705.6.C53 P48 1997