Mapping Cosmological Space in the Apocalypse of Paul and the Visio Pauli: The Actualization of Virtual Spatiality in Two Pauline Apocalyptical Journeys based on 2 Cor 12:2–4
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Benjamin Lensink
Abstract
This chapter discusses how two early Christian texts, the Apocalypse of Paul (NH V,2) and the Visio Pauli, took up the ascension account written by the Apostle Paul in 2 Cor 12:2-4, and how they provided their own interpretation of this heavenly journey. More specifically, it focuses on how both texts use space and spatiality in order to show how they have taken up the sparse details regarding space in 2 Cor 12:2-4. After a discussion of the spatial frames and the narrative world of both texts based on the narratological methodology into spatiality as introduced by Marie-Laure Ryan combined with a Deleuzian framework for reception history as pioneered by Brennan Breed, this chapter presents a three-fold conclusion. (1) While basing themselves on the same biblical passage, the two texts present different spatial frames and narrative worlds. (2) Both texts are best understood as differing actualizations of the virtual potential of space in 2 Cor 12:2-4. (3) They use space to present an ethical message: the Apocalypse of Paul aims to show its readers the dangers of escaping the material realm and the hostilities during the heavenly ascent while attempting to become a psychic being; the Visio Pauli uses the far shores of the river Ocean as revelatory lands, telling its readers what might wait for them in the afterlife depending on what life they decide to live on earth.
Abstract
This chapter discusses how two early Christian texts, the Apocalypse of Paul (NH V,2) and the Visio Pauli, took up the ascension account written by the Apostle Paul in 2 Cor 12:2-4, and how they provided their own interpretation of this heavenly journey. More specifically, it focuses on how both texts use space and spatiality in order to show how they have taken up the sparse details regarding space in 2 Cor 12:2-4. After a discussion of the spatial frames and the narrative world of both texts based on the narratological methodology into spatiality as introduced by Marie-Laure Ryan combined with a Deleuzian framework for reception history as pioneered by Brennan Breed, this chapter presents a three-fold conclusion. (1) While basing themselves on the same biblical passage, the two texts present different spatial frames and narrative worlds. (2) Both texts are best understood as differing actualizations of the virtual potential of space in 2 Cor 12:2-4. (3) They use space to present an ethical message: the Apocalypse of Paul aims to show its readers the dangers of escaping the material realm and the hostilities during the heavenly ascent while attempting to become a psychic being; the Visio Pauli uses the far shores of the river Ocean as revelatory lands, telling its readers what might wait for them in the afterlife depending on what life they decide to live on earth.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of Contributors VII
- Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Travel Experiences 1
- “And as They Travelled Eastward” (Gen 11:2): Travel in the Book of Genesis and the Anonymous Travelers in the Tower of Babel Account 11
- The Consolations of Travel: Reading Seneca’s Ad Marciam vis-à-vis Paul of Tarsus 33
- The (Missing) Motif of “Returning Home” from an Otherworldly Journey in Menippean Literature and the New Testament 55
- The Educational Aspect of the Lukan Travel Narrative: Jesus as a Πεπαιδευμένος 73
- Acts of the Apostles—A Celebration of Uncertainty? Constructing a Dialogical Self for the Early Jesus Movement 97
- “Today or Tomorrow We Will Go to Such and Such a City” (Jas 4:13): The Experience of Interconnectivity and the Mobility of Norms in the Ancient Globalized World 113
- Heavenly Journey and Divine Epistemology in the Fourth Gospel 145
- Following Vespasian in His Footsteps: Movement and (E)motion Management in Josephus’ Judean War 161
- Religion on the Road—Nehalennia Revisited: Voyagers Addressing a North Sea Deity in the Second Century CE 181
- Mapping Cosmological Space in the Apocalypse of Paul and the Visio Pauli: The Actualization of Virtual Spatiality in Two Pauline Apocalyptical Journeys based on 2 Cor 12:2–4 189
- The Travels of Barnabas: From the Acts of the Apostles to Late Antique Hagiographic Literature 229
- Rabbinic Geography: Between the Imaginary and Real 251
- The Journey of Zayd Ibn ʿAmr: In Search of True Worship 269
- Nautical Fiction of Late Antiquity: Jews and Christians Traveling by Sea 295
- Monasteries as Travel Loci for Muslims and Christians (500–1000 CE) 313
- Sachregister 337
- Stellenregister 341
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- List of Contributors VII
- Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Travel Experiences 1
- “And as They Travelled Eastward” (Gen 11:2): Travel in the Book of Genesis and the Anonymous Travelers in the Tower of Babel Account 11
- The Consolations of Travel: Reading Seneca’s Ad Marciam vis-à-vis Paul of Tarsus 33
- The (Missing) Motif of “Returning Home” from an Otherworldly Journey in Menippean Literature and the New Testament 55
- The Educational Aspect of the Lukan Travel Narrative: Jesus as a Πεπαιδευμένος 73
- Acts of the Apostles—A Celebration of Uncertainty? Constructing a Dialogical Self for the Early Jesus Movement 97
- “Today or Tomorrow We Will Go to Such and Such a City” (Jas 4:13): The Experience of Interconnectivity and the Mobility of Norms in the Ancient Globalized World 113
- Heavenly Journey and Divine Epistemology in the Fourth Gospel 145
- Following Vespasian in His Footsteps: Movement and (E)motion Management in Josephus’ Judean War 161
- Religion on the Road—Nehalennia Revisited: Voyagers Addressing a North Sea Deity in the Second Century CE 181
- Mapping Cosmological Space in the Apocalypse of Paul and the Visio Pauli: The Actualization of Virtual Spatiality in Two Pauline Apocalyptical Journeys based on 2 Cor 12:2–4 189
- The Travels of Barnabas: From the Acts of the Apostles to Late Antique Hagiographic Literature 229
- Rabbinic Geography: Between the Imaginary and Real 251
- The Journey of Zayd Ibn ʿAmr: In Search of True Worship 269
- Nautical Fiction of Late Antiquity: Jews and Christians Traveling by Sea 295
- Monasteries as Travel Loci for Muslims and Christians (500–1000 CE) 313
- Sachregister 337
- Stellenregister 341
