The Rhetoric of Abraham’s Faith in Romans 4

Abstract

(LXX) 3.3.5.4 Secondary Rhetorolects CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 Summary and Conclusion: 5.1 Summary 5.2 Conclusion x Mediterranean culture influences the rhetoric of Romans 4 are needed. The following is a survey of the state of research in this area. 2.2.1 Halvor Moxnes Moxnes examines how "honour," a value in the Mediterranean culture which "plays a crucial role in establishing a sense of worth," shapes the rhetoric of Romans. 30 Honour "is public esteem, rather than private and individualistic esteem; a culture of this type is public and group-oriented." 31 Moxnes equates righteousness with honour. 32 That honour and its counterpart, "shame," play a crucial role in Romans is indicated by related vocabulary found throughout the section of Romans, and by the fact that these terms "are more evenly distributed than terms for justification and righteousness." 33 In a setting constrained by this culture of honour and shame, the question arises, according to Moxnes, as to how a crucified Jesus preached by Paul could be powerful or bring honour. This causes a conflict between Judean and gentile Christians who had accepted Paul's gospel. Romans seeks to "bring believing Jews and non-Jews together in one community." 34 To do this, Paul employs "terms which had been used to emphasise the special status of the Jews." 35 At the same time, he also changes the meaning of these terms by sharing "concepts for values with his cultural context" 36 and changing, in many instances, the content of these concepts. Paul's objective is twofold: it alleviates the conflict with the synagogues, and hence, the Judean Christians 37