Zwischen Elend und Elite

Öhler, Markus

doi:10.1515/9783110533781-011

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Two current trends may be observed: first, the use of socio-economic models to classify the community members into socio-economic status groups (Longenecker 2010, pp. 237-49;Öhler 2018), and second, a tendency to see the communities as not merely consisting of poor people but of people who are living above subsistence level and even possessing a surplus (Öhler 2018, pp. 266-86;Weiß 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shedding Some Light on Economics in Philippians: Phil 4:10–20 and the Socio-Economic Situation of the Community

Wojtkowiak

2024

Religions

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This essay considers what conclusions may be drawn concerning the socio-economic situation of the Philippian community from Paul’s response to the Philippians’ gift in Phil 4:10–20. It contributes to the recent discussions of the socio-economic situation of the Pauline communities, as well as to the current understanding of the possibilities, challenges, and limitations of a social-scientific interpretation of this letter. Phil 4:10–20 includes several potential hints about the Philippians’ socio-economic situation. These could indicate that their situation is quite precarious under shifting economic circumstances. Immediately after Paul founded the community, the Philippians supported him twice (4:15f). Afterward, however, they did not have the opportunity to do so, although they kept it in mind (4:10: ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε, ἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ). Eventually, they were able to send another, apparently large, gift to the imprisoned apostle (4:18). As a part of his response to this gift, Paul explicates his self-sufficient lifestyle (4:11–13), possibly as an example for the Philippians. He also promises them that God will satisfy all their needs (4:19), which may be understood as a consolation in view of socio-economic distress. This study reconsiders the potential socio-scientific interpretations of these hints. It explores to what extent they (even collectively) may shed light on the socio-economic situation of the Philippian community. In doing so, it also points out the uncertainties and challenges such an interpretation must address. It thus shows how the scope of social-scientific interpretation, at least in this case, is limited.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%