[Dr. Thrunk]

If you have paid attention to NT studies in the past few decades then you probably have heard about the growing discussions on the importance of understanding the role of Empire in interpreting, especially, Paul's epistles (including contested letters), the Gospels, and Revelation.

There is, however, division in academia as to what sort of emphasis should be placed on Rome.


Here is a paper that was part of a discussion that caused quite a stir nearly 10 years ago. In the Pauline Epistles section of the SBL there was an exchange between N.T. Wright and John Barclay.

Wright emphasizes the importance of the Empire for reading Paul, claiming that Paul was often referencing, sometimes in code, the Roman empire and the imperial cult. Barclay disagrees.

Wright receives enough acclaim, whether deserved or not, so here is Barclay's paper (later collected in his Pauline Churches and Diaspora Jews book).

http://robbdavis.pbworks.com/f/Barcl...nt+to+Paul.pdf

[Leboman]

What are you thoughts? I admit, I'm not knowledgeable enough to have an opinion but I usually get something out of your posts when you give your two cents.