Apostle of Persuasion – Theology and Rhetoric in the Pauline Letters

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A crowning achievement of a senior scholar"In this insightful book, James Thompson embodies the proverbial task of reuniting things that are so often wrongly split asunder--in this case, Paul's theology, rhetoric, and life. Thompson unveils a sophisticated blend of these dimensions in Paul's work of contextual theologizing for the pastoral--indeed, prophetic--aim of community transformation. This volume reintroduces us to Paul and his letters from a distinctive vantage point, it also has significant implications for the church and its ministries."--Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary & University, Baltimore"In Apostle of Persuasion James Thompson masterfully brings together two critical areas that are usually treated separately in Pauline studies: rhetoric and theology. Arguing for a multilayered rather than one-dimensional approach, Thompson deftly situates Paul's letters as compositions in which the apostle interweaves theological and rhetorical strategies to persuade his audiences toward moral formation and ethical behavior. Extensively documented, engagingly written, and innovative in outlook, this book will help students and scholars attend more holistically to the rich textures of Pauline discourses."--Davina C. Lopez, Eckerd College"Building on his valuable 'Pauline trilogy' (Pastoral Ministry according to Paul, Moral Formation according to Paul, and The Church according to Paul), James Thompson helps Pauline scholars and students to see clearly how theology and rhetoric are inextricably connected in Paul. With clarity and verve Thompson's Apostle of Persuasion evinces that the telos of the apostle's theologizing and persuasion is the (trans)formation of Christ followers into their Lord's image and likeness. This learned, limpid volume is a crowning achievement of a senior scholar that will richly repay readers by helping them to integrate the theological and rhetorical elements of the apostle's occasional letters into a coherent, cogent whole."--Todd D. Still, Baylor University, Truett Seminary"An incisive construal of the innovative rhetoric that emerges from Paul's use of persuasion in the service of theologically informed moral formation. Mature, sensible scholarship that yields a nuanced synthesis of Pauline thought."--Carl R. Holladay, Emory University