Paul's Gift from Philippi Conventions of Gift Exchange and Christian Giving [Paperback]

The first study of Paul's response to the gift of the Philippians in the context of Greek and Roman practices of gift exchange.This book is a study of Paul's response to the financial help he received from the church in Philippi whilst he was a prisoner in Rome. It examines Philippians 4.10-20 in the light of Greek and Roman practices and language regarding the exchange of gifts and favours in society. Dr Peterman concludes that 'gift exchange' or 'social reciprocity' permeated every level of society in Paul's day, and that Paul's seemingly ungracious response was an attempt to create a new, Christian attitude to gifts and to giving.This book is a study of Paul's response to the financial help he received from the church in Philippi whilst he was a prisoner in Rome. It examines Philippians 4.10-20 in the light of Greek and Roman practices and language regarding the exchange of gifts and favours in society. Dr Peterman concludes that 'gift exchange' or 'social reciprocity' permeated every level of society in Paul's day, and that Paul's seemingly ungracious response was an attempt to create a new, Christian attitude to gifts and to giving.This book is a study of Paul's response to the financial help he received from the church in Philippi while he was a prisoner in Rome. It examines Philippians 4.10-20 in the light of Greek and Roman practices and language regarding the exchange of gifts and favors in society. Dr. Peterman concludes that gift exchange or social reciprocity permeated every level of society in Paul's day, and that Paul's seemingly ungracious response was an attempt to create a new, Christian attitude to gifts and to giving.Preface; List of Abbreviations; 1. Introduction; 2. Giving and receiving in the Old Testament and extra-biblical Jewish literature; 3. Giving and receiving in the Graeco-Roman world; 4. Partnership in Philippians 1-2; 5. Philippians 4.10-20: Paul's thank-you section; 6. Giving and receiving elsewhere in Paul's letters; 7. Conclusil“,