Paul`s Language of Grace in its Graeco- Roman

JIM HARRISON
Paul's Language of Grace in its GraecoRoman Context
[Paulus' Sprache der Gnade in ihrem griechisch-römischen Kontext.]
Published in English.
James R. Harrison argues that the Graeco-Roman benefaction context of χάρις ('favour') is the
backdrop of Paul's understanding of divine and humane grace. By the rst century AD χάρις
was the leitmotiv of the Hellenistic reciprocity system. It shaped the conventions of giving and
receiving throughout the eastern Mediterranean basin.
Before Paul's converts were exposed to the gospel, they would have held various beliefs
regarding divine bene cence. The apostle needed to tailor his language of grace as much to
the theological concerns of Graeco-Roman culture as to rst-century Judaism.
In making benefaction terminology the touchstone of his theology of grace, Paul chose to
articulate his understanding of χάρις over and against the theological and social beliefs of the
Mediterranean city-states and the imperial rulers. While Paul endorses the reciprocity system,
he rede nes its rationale in the light of the gospel of grace and transforms its social expression
in his house-churches.
2003. XV, 440 pages.
WUNT II 172
ISBN 978-3-16-148097-3
sewn paper 74,00 €
Jim Harrison Born 1952; 1976 BA Dip. Ed. Macquarie University, Australia; 1989 MA, 1997 PhD
Macquarie University; Head of the School of Theology, Wesley Institute, Sydney, Australia;
Honorary Associate Macquarie University Ancient History Department.
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