Terrance Callan, «The Style of Galatians», Vol. 88 (2007) 496-516
Especially since the publication of H. D. Betz’s commentary in 1979 much attention has been given to rhetorical analysis of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Discussion has focused on the species of Galatians’ rhetoric, i.e., whether it is forensic, deliberative or epideictic; little attention has been given to its style. This paper is an attempt to supply that lack. It begins by describing stylistic ornamentation of Galatians with respect to vocabulary and syntax and proceeds to discuss the presence of plain, middle and grand styles in Galatians. Finally it considers the implications of stylistic analysis for interpretation of Galatians.
The Style of Galatians 499
running and walking (10), crucifixion (11) and agriculture (12). 27 of the 36
words and phrases belong to one of these groups, leaving 9 metaphorical
words and phrases in addition to these basic five.
Of the five basic metaphors, the first two — the family of God and
freedom vs. slavery — are used most frequently; they are also
connected. Paul relates the condition of the minor child to that of the
slave, and the condition of the adult child to that of the free person.
Paul also contrasts the situation of the child of a slave mother with that
of the child of a free mother. The metaphor of crucifixion is also
related to that of freedom vs. slavery since crucifixion is a form of
execution especially associated with slaves (13) and the crucifixion of
Jesus and Christians’ participation in it is what sets slaves free. The
relationships among these metaphors indicate the centrality of the
contrast between freedom and slavery to the argument of Galatians.
In addition to metaphor, we also find the following tropes:
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children are in slavery (4,24-25.31; on 4,30 see TSANG, From Slaves to Sons, 87-
104]); for Gentiles it was a matter of serving false gods as slaves (4,8); those
purchased by Christ are children of Sarah, a free woman (4,23.26.31).
(10) Paul uses running as an image for Christian life (on this see BETZ,
Galatians, 88; DUNN, Galatians, 93, 273; LONGENECKER, Galatians, 49;
WILLIAMS, Metaphors, 268) in 2,2; 5,7. In the latter verse he further develops the
image of running by speaking of someone putting an obstacle in the way of the
runner (BETZ, Galatians, 264; BURTON, Galatians, 282; DUNN, Galatians, 274;
LONGENECKER, Galatians, 230; WITHERINGTON, Grace in Galatia, 371). Paul uses
walking as an image for Christian life in 2,14 (BETZ, Galatians, 111;
WITHERINGTON, Grace in Galatia, 157); 5,16 (see BURTON, Galatians, 298;
LONGENECKER, Galatians, 244; WILLIAMS, Metaphors, 198-199). He may use a
related image in 5,25; 6,16 if these passages invoke the picture of soldiers lined
up behind one another, perhaps in order to march (see BETZ, Galatians, 294; G.
DELLING, “stoicevw ktlâ€, TDNT VII, 666; WILLIAMS, Metaphors, 199. Delling
himself thinks stoicevw in these passages simply means “agree†[pages 667-669]).
Paul may also use a related image in 4,9 where he speaks of the Galatians as
turning back. This may evoke the image of changing the direction of a journey
(see WILLIAMS, Metaphors, 207-208, n. 57).
(11) Paul sees crucifixion with Christ (2,19; BURTON, Galatians, 320) as the
means by which Christ transferred Christians from slavery to freedom; in union
with Christ they have crucified the flesh (5,24), and the world has been crucified
to them and they to the world (6,14).
(12) Fruit of the spirit (5,22; BURTON, Galatians, 313; LONGENECKER,
Galatians, 259; WILLIAMS, Metaphors, 40-41); sowing and reaping (6,7-9; BETZ,
Galatians, 308-309; WILLIAMS, Metaphors, 38-40).
(13) M. HENGEL, Crucifixion. In the ancient world and the folly of the message
of the cross (London 1977) 51-63; WILLIAMS, Metaphors, 115.
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