In The Pauline Letters: A Rhetorical Analysis, David Oliver Smith unveils his revolutionary discovery that the apostle Paul divided his letters into structured literary units as he wrote them. These literary units are based upon repeated words, phrases, and abstract concepts and are invariably patterned into chiastic, parallel, or hybrid structures. Using his technique of rhetorical analysis, Smith sets out each literary unit in the seven undisputed letters of Paul. After the structures of the literary units have been exposed, the units reveal interpolations that disrupt Paul’s original structure. When the interpolations revealed by this technique are compared with interpolations heretofore proposed by Pauline scholars, there are some surprising results. Smith also uses his technique to analyze the Deutero-Pauline letters to determine whether any of those letters exhibit the same literary attributes as the undisputed letters.

This study is devoted to the tracing of the Hebrew literary influence of the Greek text of the New Testament. It discusses specifically one form, the extensive use of the inverted order called chiasmus, a form that seems to be a part of Hebrew thought itself, whether in poetry or in prose. Originally published in 1942. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

Description: Paul's letter to Titus is one of the most neglected letters of the New Testament. Many have contended that it is an incoherent letter devoid of a theological message and purpose. This study proposes otherwise, presenting an entirely new structure for Titus that demonstrates how the theme ""Exhort and Reprove to Commendable Works according to the Hope of Eternal Life"" unfolds through the chiastic structures in the letter. Jeon not only demonstrates the unity of the letter but also invites the reader to explore other ways chiasms can be used to enhance New Testament interpretation. Any intrigued by Titus, and the Pastoral Letters as a whole, will discover herein a unique approach to the letter and a fresh and invigorating interpretation of its underlying message. Endorsements: ""Jeon offers a new proposal for the overall structure of this often neglected letter, taking account of all the details of the text to demonstrate not only its comprehensive unity, but the rhetorical power of its chiastic structures. Highly recommended for all students of the Pauline Letters."" --John Paul Heil, The Catholic University of America ""Jeon provides a helpful resource for studies in the Book of Titus. He not only succeeds in presenting a persuasive case for the chiastic structure of this epistle, he also integrates this literary structure with the apostle's overall message: namely, to exhort and reprove according to the hope of eternal life. This book will enhance the library of any pastor as well as add to scholarly discussions in Pauline studies."" --Peter Lee, Reformed Theological Seminary ""Jeon has done a marvelous job in bringing a fresh and clear perspective on the book of Titus. His clear writing and persuasive arguments for the chiastic structure of Titus are convincing and moving. To Exhort and Reprove should be required for any serious scholar, pastor, or layperson who desires to understand and appreciate the letter of Titus."" --Benjamin C. Shin, Talbot School of Theology at Biola University ""On the basis of a close reading of the Letter to Titus, Jeon uncovers the chiastic structure of this letter, thereby clarifying its purpose and meaning for the general reader as well as for specialists in Pauline studies. Readers of his work will benefit from and appreciate his close exegesis of the text."" --Frank J. Matera, The Catholic University of America About the Contributor(s): PAUL S. JEON (PhD, Catholic University of America) is visiting professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary (DC), an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, and lead pastor of NewCity Church. He is also the author of two books published by Wipf & Stock: Introducing Romans (2010) and True Faith (2012).

Provides the first collective cross-cultural reading of Romans.

The fifth volume in the popular NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY STUDIES IN BIBLE & THEOLOGY series argues that gospel writer Luke is also the author of Hebrews.

An experienced teacher provides an accessible textbook on the Pauline letters that orients beginning students to the genre in which Paul writes.

Anyone who has heard of chiasmus is likely to think of it as no more than a piece of rhetorical playfulness, at times challenging, though useful for supplying a memorable sententious note or for performing a pirouette of syntax and thought. Going beyond traditional rhetoric, this volume is concerned with the possibility of using the figure of chiasmus to model a broad array of phenomena, from human relations to artistic creation. In the process, it provides the first book-length study not of chiasmus, the rhetorical figure, but of chiastic thought. The contributors are concerned with chiastic inversion and its place in social interactions, cultural creation, and more generally human thought and experience.They explore from a variety of angles what the unsettling logic of chiasmus (from the Greek meaning “cross-wise”), has to tell us about the world, human relations, cultural patterns, psychology, and artistic and poetic creation.