Paper Category: Pauline Studies

Saved, “but only as through Fire”? Sarcasm in 1 Corinthians 3:15

Paul’s references to eschatological loss and salvation “only as through fire” in 1 Corinthians 3:15 have puzzled many biblical scholars. The majority view understands the suffering of loss in this verse as a lesser degree of eschatological reward. The reference to salvation “but only as through fire” is thus interpreted as a kind of salvation … Read more

The Christological Portrayal of Epaphroditus in Phil 2:25-30

Commentators sense that Paul’s commendation of Epaphroditus has been influenced by the portrayal of Jesus in the Christ Hymn—e.g., “Christ was accomplishing his will and doing his work through Epaphroditus” (Hansen 2009, 208; cf. O’Brien 1991, 342-343; Bockmuehl 1998, 174). The most obvious connection is Jesus’ having become obedient unto death [μέχρι θανάτου]” (Phil 2:8), … Read more