Description
Book SynopsisThis book attempts to investigate two strands in a single work: ‘apocalyptic Paul’ and ‘intertextuality’. First, what does ‘apocalyptic Paul’ mean? Is it synonymous to eschatology as a theological notion, or the end-time mystery? Many seminal works have delved into the intriguing yet unorganized notion of the ‘apocalyptic’. Instead of attempting to provide a universal definition of the ‘apocalyptic’, the author presents his understanding of the phenomenon, particularly in the cultural realm. The author contends that ‘apocalyptic’ is neither all about the end-time event nor merely a literary genre, but an interpretive lens to understand the world and social phenomena—one that is shaped and developed through culture and society. Accordingly, the term ‘apocalyptic Paul’ implies how Paul views and understands the world, history, and supernatural phenomena through interaction with his cultural texts and context. Second, the author also suggests that ‘intertextuality’ is not only about comparative literature study. Rather, intertextuality refers to cultural semiotics: a sign system to deliver the meaning of text. Based on this notion of intertextuality, the author interprets how Paul envisages multiple phenomena (heavenly ascent, resurrection, afterlife, the origins of sin, and two ages) within his cultural context.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Figures and Tables AbbreviationsI 1 An Introduction to Apocalyptic Paul 1.1 The Elephant in the Room: What Is Apocalyptic? 1.2 Apocalyptic as a Cultural Semiotic 1.3 Investigating the Meaning of Paul’s Apocalyptic Discourse An Overview of Analytic Program 1.4 What This Book Argues 2 A Survey of Apocalyptic Paul 2.1 What Counts for Apocalyptic Paul? 2.2 Apocalyptic Eschatology 2.3 Apocalyptic as a Revelation 2.4 Apocalyptic as a Literary Genre 2.5 The Function of Apocalyptic Writings in Its Social Setting 2.6 Conclusion 3 Methodology: Intertextual Thematic Formation and Heteroglossia 3.1 Origins and Fundamental Notion of Intertextuality: Poststructuralism 3.2 A Suggestion for Poststructuralist Intertextuality 3.3 A Methodological Proposal to Intertextuality 3.4 Identifying Thematic Formations and Heteroglossia 3.5 An Example of Thematic Formation and Heteroglossia 4 Intertextuality of the Other Worldly Journey 4.1 An Overview 4.2 An Analysis of Intertextuality of the Heavenly Ascent: 1 Cor 12:1–10, 1 En 14:1–17:5, and the Poimandres 4.3 Heteroglossia in 2 Corinthians 12 4.4 Conclusion 5 Intertextuality of the Afterlife 5.1 An Overview 5.2 An Analysis of ITFs in 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Enoch, and Plato’s Phaedo 5.3 Heteroglossia in 1 Corinthians 15 5.4 Conclusion 6 Intertextuality of Sin and Evil 6.1 An Overview 6.2 An Analysis of the Intertextuality of Sin and Evil: Rom 5:12–21, Rom 7:7–25, Wisdom of Solomon, and Philo’s Opif. and Leg. 6.3 Heteroglossia in Rom 5:12–21 and 7:5–25 6.4 Conclusion 7 Intertextuality of Two Ages and Heavenly Jerusalem 7.1 An Overview 7.2 An Analysis of Intertextuality of Apocalyptic Eschatology 7.3 Heteroglossia of Paul’s Discourse 7.4 Conclusion 8 Conclusion Bibliography Index of Modern Authors 240 Index of Ancient Sources 245
