69 IS THE WORD OF GOD INCOMPLETE? 2. Rhetorical Pattern C.H. Talbert presents a complete summary of the interpretations regarding the structure of 1,24–2,5. Trying to find a pattern in har- mony with the content, he puts forward a concentric structure al- ready suggested by some scholars 23: A I am now rejoicing (1,24) B make known, mystery, riches, mystery = Christ (1,25-28) C I struggle (1,29) C’ I am struggling (2,1) B’ riches, knowledge, mystery = Christ (2,2-4) A’ I rejoice (2,5) The natural delimitation of the unit according to its contents goes from 1,24 to 2,5 and is confirmed by the inclusion of cai,rw (1,24; 2,5) and the struggling motif (1,29; 2,1). However, for the sake of brevity I am limiting this part of the research to the first part of the aforementioned pattern. The study of the chosen section (1,24-29) reveals two main characteristics: the rhetorical devices of accumulation and reversal. A quick look at the syntactic arrange- ment can better illustrate our remark. 24 Nun cai,rw evn toi/j paqh,masin / A. uper u`mw/n `. Paul’s sufferings & kai. avntanaplhrw/ ta. u`sterh,mata tw/n qli,yewn tou/ Cristou/ evn th/| sarki, mou Christ’s afflictions u`pe.r tou/ sw,matoj auvtou/( (1st singular) o[ evstin h` evkklhsi,a, 25 hj evgeno,mhn evgw. dia,konoj - B. kata. thn. oivkonomi,an tou/ qeou/ Service & thn. doqei/sa,n moi eivj u`ma/j plhrw/sai to.n lo,gon tou/ qeou/( Word of God C.H. Talbert considers that the main function of the section is to establish 23 the author’s Pauline authority by means of inoffensive self-praise. In this par- ticular case his options are guided by content rather than syntax. C.H. TALBERT, Ephesians and Colossians (Grand Rapids, MI 2007) 199-200. © Gregorian Biblical Press 2012 - Tutti i diritti riservati