Robert A. Bryant

The Risen Crucified Christ in Galatians Robert A. Bryant

This study examines ancient Greco-Roman communication theories and practices to understand Paul as a communicator and the central purposes of Galatians. Moving beyond discussions of rhetorical and epistolary categorizations, this work probes Greco-Roman principles of persuasive communication and ways in which Paul uses them in Galatians. Of particular significance is Paul's use of rhetorical periods, a compact grammatical form of expression often preferred among rhetoricians for its communicative power. Bryant contends that the opening of Paul's letter to the Galatians (1:1-10), which lacks a thanksgiving period, is best understood as a periodic overture that highlights the essential themes and content of this speech-letter. The subsequent examination of Galatians shows the relevance of the Risen Crucified Christ for understanding Galatians and Paul's theology as a whole. An appendix provides examples of periodic overtures in the works of Homer, Demtrius, Seneca, et al.