Apostle of Persuasion

 “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, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore 

 “In Apostle of Persuasion James W. 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, professor of religious studies, 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 W. 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, Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures, 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 

 “James Thompson has written an unprecedented book in which he declares that Paul wrote his letters so as to present a transformed people to Christ at the end. Paul’s purpose was not so much to set out theological insight but to persuade believers from the foundation of theological commitments. Thompson insists that it is imperative to scrutinize the epistles from the standpoint of Greco-Roman rhetoric, and he assesses persuasion and theology in all the letters of Paul, both undisputed and disputed, focusing mainly on arrangement and invention. He addresses some of the major historical controversies in Pauline studies and employs many scholars as interlocutors. I recommend highly this exceptional study for upper-level courses in Pauline exegesis and theology.”—Thomas H. Olbricht, distinguished professor emeritus of religion, Pepperdine University 

 “Thompson has uncovered natural bridges between the rhetorical and the theological study of Paul’s letters. He carefully and persuasively demonstrates that Paul’s rhetoric and theology are not separate objects for study but are in dialogue: Paul’s argumentation is theologizing. Paul’s prophetic call and the community traditions form the basic convictions of Paul’s argumentation as he theologizes with his audiences to persuade them to be transformed into a sanctified people presentable to Christ. Rhetoricians and theologians will discover new common ground to explore after reading this book.”—Duane F. Watson, professor of New Testament studies, Malone University