Paul's gift from Philippi
Book Description
When the apostle Paul received financial support from the Philippian church during his Roman imprisonment, his written response puzzled readers for centuries. His seemingly awkward and strained expression of gratitude in Philippians 4:10-20 has left biblical scholars searching for answers, as traditional word studies and literary analyses have failed to unlock the mystery behind this unique passage.
Gerald W. Peterman offers a groundbreaking approach to understanding Paul's perplexing response by examining it through the lens of ancient Mediterranean culture. Drawing from contemporary Greek and Roman sources, he reveals how gift exchange and social reciprocity governed every aspect of first-century society, creating webs of obligation and expectation that bound people together in complex relationships.
This scholarly investigation demonstrates that Paul's apparently ungracious acknowledgment was actually a deliberate attempt to establish a revolutionary Christian perspective on giving and receiving. Rather than conforming to the social expectations of his time, Paul sought to transform how believers understood generosity, moving beyond the transactional nature of ancient gift-giving toward something entirely new.
For modern readers seeking to understand authentic Christian generosity, this study illuminates how Paul navigated cultural pressures while establishing principles that continue to challenge our assumptions about giving, receiving, and spiritual community. Peterman's research provides fresh insight into both ancient practices and timeless spiritual truths about the nature of Christian fellowship.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Buddhism
📄 Length: 246 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Dons
- ✓ Explore Manners and customs
- ✓ Explore Offrande chrétienne
- ✓ Explore Coutume
- ✓ Discover Zen principles and teachings
- ✓ Explore Rome, social life and customs
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Mœurs et coutumes
