Citation

Gupta NK. Neotestamentica 2008; 42(2): 253-267.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Phil 1:18b-26 has been called Paul's "existential soliloquy", whereby the imprisoned Apostle faces an imminent trial and weighs the advantages of life and death. Some scholars have pursued the matter of ancient attitudes towards suicide, situating Paul within a Greco-Roman setting that did not abhor the act. However, there is a literary tradition, found in the Jewish literature of the time, which Paul may be drawing upon that illuminates this enigmatic passage further-the honourable wish for death. Viewed within a context of honour and shame, Paul is re-envisaging this tradition in light of Christ, demonstrating to concerned Philippians that he and the gospel do not suffer shame in these present circumstances, but find honour that attends living in the crucified Christ.

Language: en