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Journal for the Study of the New Testament
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Re-mapping the Universe: Paul and the Emperor in 1 Thessalonians and Philippians

Peter Oakes

Religions and Theology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, peter.oakes{at}manchester.ac.uk

This article considers three texts that are frequently cited in relation to Rome: 1 Thess. 4.15-17; 1 Thess. 5.3; Phil. 2.9-11. Four options for the apparent parallels between Christian and Roman terminology are considered: (1) independent use of common sources, (2) Christian imitation of elements of Roman discourse or practice, (3) Christian writing in reaction to conflict stemming from Rome and (4) Christian writing that conflicts with Roman discourse or practice. The article concludes that 1 Thess. 5.3 and Phil. 2.9-11 conflict with Roman ideology. However, in neither case is Paul either writing polemic against Rome or specifically arguing against participation in the imperial cult. Instead, he is re-drawing the map of the universe in order to encourage Christians who are suffering under pressure from Graeco-Roman society.

Journal for the Study of the New Testament, Vol. 27, No. 3, 301-322 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0142064X05052508
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