"Thrown down but not Destroyed".

This paper explores the spectacles in the Greek East in an attempt to cast new light on Paul's discourse in 2 Cor 4:7-15. Scenes from gladiatorial munera were not only observed by spectators in theatres, amphitheatres, or stadiums, but were elaborately displayed in commemorative monuments. The emerg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Novum Testamentum Vol. 57; no. 4; pp. 379 - 413
Main Author: Unwin, James R.
Format: Article
Published: Brill Academic Publishers 2015
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Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:This paper explores the spectacles in the Greek East in an attempt to cast new light on Paul's discourse in 2 Cor 4:7-15. Scenes from gladiatorial munera were not only observed by spectators in theatres, amphitheatres, or stadiums, but were elaborately displayed in commemorative monuments. The emergence of a visual language evoked from these arena scenes offers us another lens to interpret the reception of Paul's polyvalent self-presentation throughout 4:7-15. Paul is convinced that his body is a site where viewers observe, like in the arena, both death and life, and that his performance becomes an exhibition of the crucified Christ.