A rhetorical analysis of the letter to the Galatians

[摘要] English: The aim of this study is to present a text-centred descriptive analysis of theway in which Paul uses the Letter to the Galatians in order to persuade the Galatiansto accept his view of the gospel.In Part 1 an overview of existing rhetorical analyses of the Letter to the Galatiansis presented. It is shown that the normal approach in the rhetorical analysis ofthis letter is to choose a specific rhetorical model whereby the letter is then analysedrhetorically. It is also shown that, although there are some exceptions, scholars mostlyprefer to use ancient rhetorical models to perform a rhetorical analysis of this letter.The approach followed in this study is then outlined: It differs from the normal approachin that a specific rhetorical model is not chosen in order to analyse the letterrhetorically, but, instead, Paul's rhetorical strategy is reconstructed from the text itself.In Part 2 Paul's rhetorical strategy is then reconstructed from the letter itself.The letter is divided into eighteen sections and Paul's dominant rhetorical strategy isidentified in each section and described, in conjunction with all the supportive strategiesand rhetorical techniques used.In Part 3 some characteristics of Paul's rhetorical strategy in the Letter to theGalatians are discussed. Two issues are highlighted:First, the overall organisation of his argument in the letter is discussed andsummarised in terms of the following six objectives:First objective: Convince the audience of his divine authorisation (1:1-2:10).Second objective: Convince the audience that his gospel is the true gospel (2:11-3:14).Third objective: Convince the audience of the inferiority of the law (3:15-25).Fourth objective: Convince the audience that the gospel of the opponents representsspiritual slavery and, instead, urge them to remain spiritually free by adheringto his gospel (3:26-5:1).Fifth objective: Convince the audience to act as he wishes them to: not to succumb tothe pressure to be circumcised; to avoid the opponents; and to live according to theSpirit (5:2-6:10).Sixth objective: Final refutation of the opponents (6:11-18).Secondly, the wide variety of arguments Paul uses in the letter is discussed. Itis shown that the most important arguments he uses, are those based on the notion ofdivine authorisation, Scriptural arguments, an appeal to shared Christian tradition, theexperience of the audience, vilification of the opponents, analogy, emotional arguments,and shared knowledge.

[发布机构] University of the Free State