1. The aim and theoretical framework of this monograph

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter I
2. Acknowledgments V
3. Contents VII
4. List of Tables X
5. Abbreviations XI
6. Introduction 1
7. 1. The aim and theoretical framework of this monograph 6
8. 2. Conceptual blending in biblical exegesis 31
9. 3. The cultural background of the image of the church as a flock 45
10. 4. A taxonomy of blends which constitute the image of the church as a flock in early Christian discourse 60
11. 5. THE FLOCK OF THE CHURCH IS THE FLOCK OF ISRAEL (FCFI) 71
12. 6. SHEPHERDS ARE THE SHEPHERD (SAS) 75
13. 7. The THE CHURCH IS GOD’S FLOCK (CGF) blend in the New Testament and shepherding imagery in The Shepherd of Hermas 87
14. 8. The CGF blend as a conceptual instrument in early church life and practice 96
15. 9. The THE CHURCH IS GOD’S FLOCK blend as a conceptual instrument in early church liturgy and theology 157
16. Conclusion 194
17. Appendix 200
18. Bibliography 203
19. Index of Subjects 219
20. Index of Ancient and Medieval Sources 224
21. Index of Biblical Sources and Pseudepigrapha 228