Luke's Portrait of PaulThe purpose of this book is to seek a fuller understanding of how the characterisation of Paul in Acts would have been perceived by those who first read or heard the Lucan narrative. As the author makes clear, the careful reader of Acts should be amazed at the way St Paul is portrayed therein. Dr Lentz demonstrates, through a careful examination of particular texts, the great improbability that a Jew of strict Pharisaic background would have held, let alone been proud of, Roman citizenship and citizenship of the city of Tarsus. By investigating the social and legal expectations of the first century, the author shows that Paul is seen to be deferred to in matters of legal minutiae by those in positions of authority. He is given high social status and abundant moral virtue in order to attract to Christianity the high-ranking citizen who would recognise in Paul the classical cardinal virtues. |
Contents
1 The problem | 1 |
2 Defining social status and moral virtue | 7 |
3 Paul as Greek Roman Pharisee | 23 |
4 Paul the man of virtue | 62 |
5 Paul on trial | 105 |
6 Pauls appeal | 139 |
7 Conclusion | 171 |
173 | |
187 | |
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Common terms and phrases
account of Paul's Acts 16 Agrippa Alexandria Antiquities Appianus assume Cadbury cardinal virtues centurion century Christians Cicero citizen of Tarsus Claudius concerning described Diaspora Dio Chrysostom emperor evidence example Felix Festus Furthermore Garnsey governor Greco-Roman world Greek city Haenchen Hellenistic Hellenistic Civilization Hence high social status high status historical important indicates individuals Jerusalem Jesus Jewish Wars Jews Josephus Judaism last eight chapters legal privileges lex Julia Lucan Luke Luke-Acts magistrates moral virtue narrative Paul claims Paul in Acts Paul's appeal Paul's status pedigree Pharisees Philippi Philo Pliny Plutarch portray Paul portrayal of Paul possessed the citizenship prestige prison provinces provocatio punishment reader recognized Roman authorities Roman citizen Roman citizenship Roman Law Roman legal Roman Society Rome scenes in Acts Schürer rev self-control Sergius Paulus Sherwin-White slave social status Society and Roman Status and Legal status and moral suggest Tarsus Testament trial tribune Verres virtuous wealth words