In approaching the debate surrounding the opponents in Colossians from a methodological standpoint, Copenhaver contends that Paul was not actually confronting active opponents when he wrote the letter. Rather, Copenhaver takes the view that Paul's letter was written to the churches in the Lycus Valley, in a desire to develop their identity as a new people in Christ and to appeal to them to live a new kind of life. His warnings in Colossians 2 function as oppositional rhetoric, contrasting the religious practices of the Lycus Valley with this new belief. Paul's warnings are therefore broadly representative of the ancient world, while at the same time focused especially on two threads of historical referents, Judaism and pagan religions. Development of the above argument demonstrates that the challenge of reconstructing a singular opponent arises not only from the limitations of textual and historical evidence, but also from the assumptions and methodologies inherent in historical approaches to the text. By modifying these assumptions and adjusting the methodology, Copenhaver can show how Paul's letter takes on a new relationship to its historical context.

This guide introduces readers to key issues in the interpretation and reception of Colossians. Anderson first explores the issue of Pauline authorship. She challenges readers to reflect on why the question of authorship has dominated scholarship as well as why and how interpreters create “stories” about the letter. Second, Anderson examines rhetoric and context. She asks readers to consider how the letter constructs and seeks to persuade its addressees past and present. She surveys several pictures of the first audience and “opponents.” Finally, Anderson delves into the functions of the Colossian household code, its reception, and the ethics of interpretation.

A Prolegomenon to the Study of Paul examines foundational assumptions that ground all interpretations of the apostle Paul. This examination touches on several topics, invoking issues pertaining to truth, hermeneutics, canonicity, historiography, pseudonymity, literary genres, and authority. Underlying all of this is a guiding thesis, namely, that every encounter with Paul involves “Pauline Archimedean points,” or fixed points of reference that establish the measure for constructing any interpretation of Paul whatsoever. Building on this, the author interrogates various issues that inform the formation of these Pauline Archimedean points, in pursuit of an important but modest goal: to urge Pauline readers to engage in a modicum of self-reflection over the various considerations that precondition all of our efforts to comprehend Paul.

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Seesengood traces the life and impact of Paul – one ofChristianity’s most influential figures – through themajor periods Christian history. Exploring the changinginterpretations of Paul and his work, the author throws new lighton his writings and on religious history. Offers a unique, insightful journey through the many and variedinterpretations of Paul’s life and work over 2,000 years– from the Gnostic controversy, to Luther and theReformation, to contemporary debates over religion and science Explains Paul’s pivotal role within Christian history,and how his missionary journeys, canonized epistles and theologicalinsights were cornerstones of the early Church and central to theformation of Christian doctrine Argues that each new interpretation of Paul is the result of afresh set of cultural, social and ideological circumstances –and so questions whether it is ever possible to discover the realPaul