Paul the Allegorist: Galatians 4:21–31 and Its Implications for Understanding Paul as an Interpreter of Scripture

by Andrew C. Burrow, Todd D. Still (foreword)

In a moment of great crisis, the apostle Paul gave new meanings to characters and events within Genesis 16–21 without completely denying or replacing their prior meanings. This interpretive practice, as found in Galatians 4:21–31, has troubled interpreters of Scripture since the fourth century. This book demonstrates that Paul’s practice was allegorical and provides a more precise understanding of his practice by comparing Paul with three roughly contemporary interpreters of the sectarian interpreters of texts in the Dead Sea Scrolls, the interpreter Philo, and the author of the Epistle of Barnabas. This book identifies Paul’s interpretive work, explains how he used his allegorical practice to accomplish it, and reveals the implications of this practice for understanding him as an interpreter of Scripture. It helps resolve a debate ongoing for nearly two millennia by answering the questions, What does Paul do in Galatians 4:21–31, and why does it matter?

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

Reviews

[Alan Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typology is not a useful schema for better understanding Paul’s interpretive practice of allegory. Paul uses his practice to bring the Jewish Scriptures to bear upon his new reality as a believer in Christ. The author demonstrates that the pervasive concern for facticity is a result of the rise of historical criticism.

“(1) a concern for facticity did not influence the ancient interpretive practice of allegory and (2) terminology and geographical location function only as organizational tools.” p.239

“It is unfortunate that prior scholarship has spent so much effort attempting to explain away Paul’s practice.” p.242