A Commentator's Approach To the 'Effective History' of Philippians

Abstract

This study begins by offering an introduction to the neglected role of Wirkungs geschichte in biblical interpretation, developing reflections on appropriate methods and approaches in dialogue with the work of Heikki Räisänen and especially Ulrich Luz. It is argued that the modern meaning of a biblical text cannot be fully elucidated without reference to the history of both its meaning and its effects in the period between the ancient author and the modern interpreter. Turning to the effective history of Paul's letter to the Philippians, the article then examines both the influence of the letter as a whole and that of three particular passages (1.21-23; 2.5-11; 3.20). It is suggested that the genre of the commentary is particularly well suited to a running account of the place and presence of biblical books within the history of our civilization, which could provide vital tools for the construction of a hermeneutical bridge from the world of the text to the world of the Christian reader and his or her community

Imitatio Christianorum: The Function of Believers as Examples in Philippians

“…This term's only other use in the letter is in the story of Christ, who took on 'the form of a δοῦλος' (2:7). 67 Timothy is again mentioned in connection with the only other instance of the δουλ-wordgroup in Philippians in 2:22, in which he 'served (ἐδούλευσεν) with [Paul] in the gospel'. Timothy's selflessness in service of the gospel is Paul's particular emphasis.…”

‘To Be Or Not To Be’: The Possible Futures of New Testament Scholarship Markus Bockmueh

“…Time does not permit a longer discussion, but I 24 R. Coggins 1993:172: 'Texts have an after-life Any respectable commentary on Genesis 1 will have reference to Enuma Elish and other ancient Near Eastern creation stories; is there any place there for a reference to Haydn's Creation and the perception of God's creative power that it embodies?' 298 SCOTTISH JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY have elsewhere given a longer account and tried my hand at a sample implementation (Bockmuehl 1995).…”