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Paul and the Giants of Philosophy: Reading the Apostle in Greco-Roman Context
What forces shaped the intellectual world of the apostle Paul? How familiar was he with the great philosophers of his age, and to what extent was he influenced by them? When he quoted Greco-Roman sources, what was his aim?
Pauline scholars wrestle with such questions in journal articles and technical monographs, but now Paul and the Giants of Philosophy brings the conversation into the college classroom and the church. Each essay addresses Paul's interaction with Greco-Roman philosophical thinking on a particular topic, such as faith, slavery, gift-giving, and the afterlife. And each chapter includes discussion questions and reading lists to help readers engage the material further.
Dodson and Briones have gathered contributors with diverse views from various traditions who are united in the desire to make Paul's engagement with ancient philosophy accessible to many readers.
Pauline scholars wrestle with such questions in journal articles and technical monographs, but now Paul and the Giants of Philosophy brings the conversation into the college classroom and the church. Each essay addresses Paul's interaction with Greco-Roman philosophical thinking on a particular topic, such as faith, slavery, gift-giving, and the afterlife. And each chapter includes discussion questions and reading lists to help readers engage the material further.
Dodson and Briones have gathered contributors with diverse views from various traditions who are united in the desire to make Paul's engagement with ancient philosophy accessible to many readers.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 13, 2020
This was an interesting and helpful book setting Paul in his Graeco-Roman thought context, showing areas where he lines up and differs from it. Each chapter deals with themes like the nature of suffering, therapy, friendship, slavery, faith, death, etc. The chapters are by and large rather formulaic, often articulating a particular philosopher's view on the given topic and then setting it in comparison and contrast with Paul. The "giants" engaged with include Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, Plutarch, Cicero, and Seneca -- the last gets a bit more focus, which is understandable because he was a contemporary of Paul. The general conclusion for each is that while Paul shares some similarities, his Christian belief in God explains why he is out of step. It's worth noting that most of the contributors are biblical scholars, not experts in ancient philosophy, which made me wonder what a philosopher might think about the arguments and conclusions drawn in certain chapters.
There are varying qualities of work in each chapter. I particularly appreciated the chapters dealing with the afterlife, spiritual visions, and benefaction. The final chapter, that engages with the work C. Kavin Rowe's work was also quite useful, though I think it should have been the first chapter of the book. The chapter looking at Paul at Mars Hill where he engaged with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, actually quoting the Stoic Aratus was enlightening as well. It probably should have been front-loaded too. Both chapters were more helpful at setting the stage for what was to come, rather than drawing things together in a kind of conclusion.
I appreciated that the book was written at a more popular audience with the hope of a wider Christian readership, but it did detract from some of the argumentation at points. I'm also not totally sure that pastors will pick it up, even though it would be helpful as they think through how biblical writers engaged culture.
There are varying qualities of work in each chapter. I particularly appreciated the chapters dealing with the afterlife, spiritual visions, and benefaction. The final chapter, that engages with the work C. Kavin Rowe's work was also quite useful, though I think it should have been the first chapter of the book. The chapter looking at Paul at Mars Hill where he engaged with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, actually quoting the Stoic Aratus was enlightening as well. It probably should have been front-loaded too. Both chapters were more helpful at setting the stage for what was to come, rather than drawing things together in a kind of conclusion.
I appreciated that the book was written at a more popular audience with the hope of a wider Christian readership, but it did detract from some of the argumentation at points. I'm also not totally sure that pastors will pick it up, even though it would be helpful as they think through how biblical writers engaged culture.
June 21, 2023
If you're fascinated by the intricate relationship between Paul's theology and ancient philosophy, this book is a must-read. Each essay takes us through the rich tapestry of Paul's [indirect] interaction with the Greco-Roman philosophical giants.
The contributors—an international cast of diverse scholars—skillfully explore and compare the ideas of (but not limited to):
-Socrates
-Plato
-Aristotle
-Cicero
-Seneca
-Epictetus
They present their influence on the first-century Greco-Roman society that shaped Paul's world. Unlike the common misconception that Paul's encounters with philosophers were purely confrontational, this book reveals the nuanced nature of his engagement (e.g., slavery in Paul's letter to Philemon and the writings of Seneca).
Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, the contributors trace the lines and levels of Paul's dialogue with these philosophical thinkers, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between their teachings and the gospel of Jesus Christ. They paint a vivid picture of a world where philosophy was not confined to ivory towers but permeated everyday life.
My one critique was the brevity of engagement. Multiple essays would have been better served if they had been expanded with linguistic engagement.
By delving into the philosophical backdrop, this book deepens our understanding of Scripture, Paul's theology, and the historical context in which he ministered. Whether you are a seminary or undergraduate student, an interested layperson, or an academic, this book provides valuable insights. It sparks a desire for further exploration of an important and burgeoning topic.
The contributors—an international cast of diverse scholars—skillfully explore and compare the ideas of (but not limited to):
-Socrates
-Plato
-Aristotle
-Cicero
-Seneca
-Epictetus
They present their influence on the first-century Greco-Roman society that shaped Paul's world. Unlike the common misconception that Paul's encounters with philosophers were purely confrontational, this book reveals the nuanced nature of his engagement (e.g., slavery in Paul's letter to Philemon and the writings of Seneca).
Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, the contributors trace the lines and levels of Paul's dialogue with these philosophical thinkers, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between their teachings and the gospel of Jesus Christ. They paint a vivid picture of a world where philosophy was not confined to ivory towers but permeated everyday life.
My one critique was the brevity of engagement. Multiple essays would have been better served if they had been expanded with linguistic engagement.
By delving into the philosophical backdrop, this book deepens our understanding of Scripture, Paul's theology, and the historical context in which he ministered. Whether you are a seminary or undergraduate student, an interested layperson, or an academic, this book provides valuable insights. It sparks a desire for further exploration of an important and burgeoning topic.
October 22, 2019
How were Paul's writings similar and dissimilar to the paragons of virtue and valor in his day? Did he absorb their categories, and imbibe in their programs, incorporating them into the letters he wrote? These are the types of questions answered in a new 200-page paperback put out by IVP Academic titled, "Paul and the Giants of Philosophy: Reading the Apostle in Greco-Roman Context." The volume is edited by Joseph R. Dodson, associate professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, and David E. Briones, associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia), and pulls together a cast of collaborators from different venues of academia. I was surprised at how straightforward and simple the publication was to read. High School Seniors, College Freshmen, pastors and seminarians alike would be able to delve into this volume, work their way through, and come forth on the other side conscious of having comprehended the material and gained a few new insights.
The aim of the book is to artificially put Paul "into dialogue with other people in his cultural context who thought just as deeply about many of the topics that mattered greatly to him" (x). Therefore, the authors bring Paul together with folks like Epictetus, Philodemus, Aristotle, Seneca, Plutarch, Aratus, Cicero, and Plato. But instead of exhaustively unpacking each aspect of every philosopher, the contributors take one subject and tease it out, such as visions, life and afterlife, giving and receiving, the good life, faith, slavery, friendship, therapy for the weak, and suffering. A few corespondents engage broader subjects and broader perspectives rather than trim their topic to one philosopher. My favorite of these was by E. Randolph Richards, provost at Palm Beach Atlantic University, who addressed the subject of "When is a Letter Not a Letter? Paul, Cicero, and Seneca as Letter Writers." I learned quite a bit from these 9 pages.
Did the book reach it's goal of "comparison brings clarity" (3)? I think so. In almost every section I gained a clearer understanding of the similarities and differences between Paul and a given philosopher on an explicit subject. Though the topics were important (two vital chapters were on suffering), and the engagement with Paul and the philosophical paragons was concise, nevertheless this volume could have been enhanced by adding numerous other discussions, such as, on virtue, discipline, reason, truth, reality, etc. Even a chapter of how each viewed "g/God" would have been a plus.
Overall, I was pleased by "Paul and the Giants of Philosophy." This manuscript can be useful in college and seminary courses. Pastors of every denomination would benefit from a copy of this work. It will make an ideal addition to a book reading circle. And, for that inquisitive investigator in your life, they are going to be advantaged by a copy. In the end, I highly recommend the book.
IVP Academic sent me the book used in this review at my request, and I am grateful. There were no demands made by the publisher; nor any diktats issued by some back-office politburo. Rather, I was left to sink or swim on my own. Hence, all assessments and evaluations in this analysis are mine.
The aim of the book is to artificially put Paul "into dialogue with other people in his cultural context who thought just as deeply about many of the topics that mattered greatly to him" (x). Therefore, the authors bring Paul together with folks like Epictetus, Philodemus, Aristotle, Seneca, Plutarch, Aratus, Cicero, and Plato. But instead of exhaustively unpacking each aspect of every philosopher, the contributors take one subject and tease it out, such as visions, life and afterlife, giving and receiving, the good life, faith, slavery, friendship, therapy for the weak, and suffering. A few corespondents engage broader subjects and broader perspectives rather than trim their topic to one philosopher. My favorite of these was by E. Randolph Richards, provost at Palm Beach Atlantic University, who addressed the subject of "When is a Letter Not a Letter? Paul, Cicero, and Seneca as Letter Writers." I learned quite a bit from these 9 pages.
Did the book reach it's goal of "comparison brings clarity" (3)? I think so. In almost every section I gained a clearer understanding of the similarities and differences between Paul and a given philosopher on an explicit subject. Though the topics were important (two vital chapters were on suffering), and the engagement with Paul and the philosophical paragons was concise, nevertheless this volume could have been enhanced by adding numerous other discussions, such as, on virtue, discipline, reason, truth, reality, etc. Even a chapter of how each viewed "g/God" would have been a plus.
Overall, I was pleased by "Paul and the Giants of Philosophy." This manuscript can be useful in college and seminary courses. Pastors of every denomination would benefit from a copy of this work. It will make an ideal addition to a book reading circle. And, for that inquisitive investigator in your life, they are going to be advantaged by a copy. In the end, I highly recommend the book.
IVP Academic sent me the book used in this review at my request, and I am grateful. There were no demands made by the publisher; nor any diktats issued by some back-office politburo. Rather, I was left to sink or swim on my own. Hence, all assessments and evaluations in this analysis are mine.
November 30, 2019
This book gets high marks from me for two specific reasons: 1) it has a narrow focus (placing Paul's writings in the context of Greco-Roman philosophy) but also a wide scope (considering topics as varied as slavery, suffering, gift-giving, ecstatic visions, and even the ancient approach to letter-writing); 2) the writing is academically-rooted but also extremely approachable; 3) it's an unabashed intro-level text, and very helpful "further reading" sections are included at the end of each chapter.
In reading this, one gains a greater understanding of the philosophical milieu of the Greco-Roman world (especially Stoicism, which has remarkable resonance with some of Paul's thought), but also the ways in which Paul's thought stands starkly apart. The goals of his writing to early Christians in this era become even clearer, as he both affirms areas of truth, but also exhortations to different thinking and living. My personal favorite essays are on: therapy, slavery, letter-writing, the myth of the pure gift, and the outstanding essay on Paul's Areopagus sermon in Acts 17.
I don't know of another book quite like this, at least in the world of Pauline studies, and the fact that this one is so easy to read makes it a gem that will stay on my shelf for further reference.
In reading this, one gains a greater understanding of the philosophical milieu of the Greco-Roman world (especially Stoicism, which has remarkable resonance with some of Paul's thought), but also the ways in which Paul's thought stands starkly apart. The goals of his writing to early Christians in this era become even clearer, as he both affirms areas of truth, but also exhortations to different thinking and living. My personal favorite essays are on: therapy, slavery, letter-writing, the myth of the pure gift, and the outstanding essay on Paul's Areopagus sermon in Acts 17.
I don't know of another book quite like this, at least in the world of Pauline studies, and the fact that this one is so easy to read makes it a gem that will stay on my shelf for further reference.
April 12, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐️
The various essays in this book could each receive their own individual rating and it would be a more fair way to assess the overall quality of this work. Some essays proved to be highly informative and deeply meaningful to a more robust understanding of the core tenants of early Christianity (as put forth by Paul) in light of their socio-historical Greco-Roman context. Other chapters felt like thought experiments in relatively minor Pauline points and obscure passages. A couple chapters—the discussion of “faith” and that of life after death and specifically of “resurrection”—prove to be high points in this book. While chapters on such matters as “friendship” seem trivial.
In general, this book is a relatively accessible first step into the world of New Testament comparative studies. The final chapter’s warnings on the natural and inevitable limitations of such a practice provide a sense of humility to the work and ground it nicely in the field of study.
The various essays in this book could each receive their own individual rating and it would be a more fair way to assess the overall quality of this work. Some essays proved to be highly informative and deeply meaningful to a more robust understanding of the core tenants of early Christianity (as put forth by Paul) in light of their socio-historical Greco-Roman context. Other chapters felt like thought experiments in relatively minor Pauline points and obscure passages. A couple chapters—the discussion of “faith” and that of life after death and specifically of “resurrection”—prove to be high points in this book. While chapters on such matters as “friendship” seem trivial.
In general, this book is a relatively accessible first step into the world of New Testament comparative studies. The final chapter’s warnings on the natural and inevitable limitations of such a practice provide a sense of humility to the work and ground it nicely in the field of study.
October 28, 2019
This book is an accessible introduction to a vast and complicated field of study. Each contributor offers a brief, clear, and intriguing comparison and contrast between Paul and these philosophical giants. Both the chapters and the resources at the end of each make further study possible and desireable. This is an awesome resource for those looking to get acquainted with this field of study but might be too intimidated to dive into the primary sources themselves. It's definitely worth the time of anyone who wants to know more about the cognitive environment of the New Testament.
July 2, 2024
Kind of interesting, placing Paul in the context of Graeco-Roman philosophy. Even if Paul did not directly read certain works of philosophy, these works certainly influenced thought around when he lived and may, at the very least, serve to illuminate Paul's thinking by contrast. This illumination by contrast strategy works well, and, according to this book, reading Paul alongside ancient philosophers is a growing field.
May 16, 2020
A series of essays that compare and contrast Paul’s teaching with some of his predecessors and contemporaries. The authors put aside the question of whether Paul was familiar with his contemporaries and instead concentrate on similarities and crucial differences. Authors such as Aristotle, various Stoics , Cicero and Plutarch are addressed.
April 14, 2021
Really fascinating comparative studies of Paul and the great philosophers!
Fascinating and well-written comparison between Paul’s writings and the ancient Greco-Roman philosophers. I appreciate the contributors’ focus on the contexts of each of these ancient writers and how even using the same word does not indicate same meaning. Really nuanced and helpful text.
Fascinating and well-written comparison between Paul’s writings and the ancient Greco-Roman philosophers. I appreciate the contributors’ focus on the contexts of each of these ancient writers and how even using the same word does not indicate same meaning. Really nuanced and helpful text.
May 4, 2020
Edited work in which contributing authors compare/contrast the apostle Paul's "views" on a variety of issues/themes reflected in the writings of Academy, Paripatetic, Stoic, and Epicurean philosophers. Great read, interesting discussions!
June 13, 2020
The authors attempt to compare and contrast the Apostle Paul with that of certain philosophers. Some chapters are better at explaining than others as each chapter is written by one author and discusses one topic in which to perform the comparison.
July 28, 2021
I liked the book because each chapter was a different topic that could be read independently. Mostly it compared stoicism to Paul’s Christian philosophy. So it explained the historical context in which Christianity developed.
December 18, 2021
Helpful and interesting introduction to how Paul relates to Greco-Roman philosophies, especially Stoicism. Some essays/authors do better than others, but good insights overall. I’m glad there is a chapter interacting with Rowe’s One True Life, another book well worth reading.
January 25, 2025
Not a bad survey, but not particularly deep. However, the breadth of the book keeps it from being a slog. Some good thought provoking parts, and it will probably push some readers to go deeper and read some primary sources.
November 30, 2020
Good as a reference or a jumping off place for further research. As a compilation of essays, some are better than others. Most didn't go as deep as I would have liked, and some felt strained.
November 23, 2021
Accessible and helpful reading of Paul in the context of Greco-Roman philosophy.
July 28, 2021
3.5/5
I had high expectations towards this book, but it was uneven in the quality and thoughtfulness of the chapters. In my humble opinion, the best articles where the ones by the editors and the one by Gupta. I was particularly interested in the comparison between Paul and other philosophers on the possibilities and meaning of friendship. Still, it’s a good entryway into a flourishing field in Pauline studies: the distinctions of the early Christian thought and Greco-Roman thinkers.
I had high expectations towards this book, but it was uneven in the quality and thoughtfulness of the chapters. In my humble opinion, the best articles where the ones by the editors and the one by Gupta. I was particularly interested in the comparison between Paul and other philosophers on the possibilities and meaning of friendship. Still, it’s a good entryway into a flourishing field in Pauline studies: the distinctions of the early Christian thought and Greco-Roman thinkers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews