The Weak and the Strong in Rom 14:1–15:13
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Juan Manuel Granados Rojas
Abstract
In Rom 14:1–15:13, Paul employs an alternating pattern of exhortations and rationales, dissuasive and persuasive discourse, to foster mutual edification and inclusivity. Intertwining this pattern with the notions of ἀδελφός and πλησίον, he urges readers to embrace a new value system. This reassessment applies not only to specific circumstances like common meals but extends to all aspects of community life. While historical identification of the “weak” and the “strong” is challenging, Paul’s rhetorical arrangement suggests a redefinition based on ethical rather than ethnic, religious, or sociological criteria. Paul redefines “weak” and “strong” as “brother” (ἀδελφός), “neighbor” (πλησίον), and “of one another” (ἀλλήλων), thus emphasizing their ethical identity.
Abstract
In Rom 14:1–15:13, Paul employs an alternating pattern of exhortations and rationales, dissuasive and persuasive discourse, to foster mutual edification and inclusivity. Intertwining this pattern with the notions of ἀδελφός and πλησίον, he urges readers to embrace a new value system. This reassessment applies not only to specific circumstances like common meals but extends to all aspects of community life. While historical identification of the “weak” and the “strong” is challenging, Paul’s rhetorical arrangement suggests a redefinition based on ethical rather than ethnic, religious, or sociological criteria. Paul redefines “weak” and “strong” as “brother” (ἀδελφός), “neighbor” (πλησίον), and “of one another” (ἀλλήλων), thus emphasizing their ethical identity.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- Abbreviations
- Introduction 1
- Rome in the New Testament: Early Traces of the Significance of the urbs in Christian History 5
- The Weak and the Strong in Rom 14:1–15:13 33
- A First Step Towards Reading 1 Clement in its Roman Context: Re-assessing the Patristic Evidence on the Date and Authorship of the Letter 53
- The Shepherd of Hermas in Its Roman Context: A Fresh Look at the First Three Visions 99
- The Relationship between the Writings of the New Testament and the Roman Empire 119
- The Application of the Lex Iulia de collegiis in the Early Imperial Context: Remarks for New Testament Exegesis 153
- The Mystery of the Woman or the Mystery of the Beast? Looking for Rome in the Book of Revelation 201
- Jews and Christians in First Century Rome: Fragmentary Evidence 215
- The Cult-Sites of Peter and Paul at Rome in the First Centuries of Christianity: From the Written Sources to the Monumental Remains 237
- Four “Prophecies from the Event” (vaticinia ex eventu): On Paul, Peter, and Rome 267
- Encounters of Christian Faith and Philosophy in Second and Third Century Rome 281
- The Impact of Cerdo, Marcion and Gnostic Teachers on Roman Christianity in the Second and Third Centuries 313
- Justin Martyr and Tatian the Syrian in their Roman Context 343
- Hippolytus, Gaius and the Alogi in Second and Third Century Rome 363
- List of Contributors
- Index of Ancient Sources
- Index of Names and Subjects
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- Abbreviations
- Introduction 1
- Rome in the New Testament: Early Traces of the Significance of the urbs in Christian History 5
- The Weak and the Strong in Rom 14:1–15:13 33
- A First Step Towards Reading 1 Clement in its Roman Context: Re-assessing the Patristic Evidence on the Date and Authorship of the Letter 53
- The Shepherd of Hermas in Its Roman Context: A Fresh Look at the First Three Visions 99
- The Relationship between the Writings of the New Testament and the Roman Empire 119
- The Application of the Lex Iulia de collegiis in the Early Imperial Context: Remarks for New Testament Exegesis 153
- The Mystery of the Woman or the Mystery of the Beast? Looking for Rome in the Book of Revelation 201
- Jews and Christians in First Century Rome: Fragmentary Evidence 215
- The Cult-Sites of Peter and Paul at Rome in the First Centuries of Christianity: From the Written Sources to the Monumental Remains 237
- Four “Prophecies from the Event” (vaticinia ex eventu): On Paul, Peter, and Rome 267
- Encounters of Christian Faith and Philosophy in Second and Third Century Rome 281
- The Impact of Cerdo, Marcion and Gnostic Teachers on Roman Christianity in the Second and Third Centuries 313
- Justin Martyr and Tatian the Syrian in their Roman Context 343
- Hippolytus, Gaius and the Alogi in Second and Third Century Rome 363
- List of Contributors
- Index of Ancient Sources
- Index of Names and Subjects
