
New Books in Biblical Studies
David Anthony Basham, "Paul, the Temple, and Building a Metaphor" (Bloomsbury, 2024)
Jan 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, David Anthony Basham, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Ashland Theological Seminary and author of "Paul, the Temple, and Building a Metaphor," delves into the transformative use of temple language in Paul's letters. He explores how Paul’s metaphor redefines identity among the Corinthians, viewing themselves as God’s temple. Basham also examines Paul's shifting perspective on the Herodian temple post-conversion and the implications of these ideas for both Jewish and Gentile believers in the early Christian community.
21:50
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Quick takeaways
- Paul's metaphor of the Corinthians as 'God's temple' transforms their self-perception and communal identity, connecting them deeply to their heritage.
- The tension in Paul's relationship with the Jerusalem temple highlights the challenges of including Gentiles within the Jewish sacrificial system, reshaping early Christian inclusivity.
Deep dives
The Unique Perspective of Paul's Temple Metaphor
Paul's use of temple language in his letters to the Corinthians positions the church as a metaphorical temple, which transforms the identity of the Corinthian assembly. By calling them 'Neos Theou', Paul encourages the Corinthians to see themselves as inhabited by the Spirit of God, thereby elevating their status in a profound way. This radical imagery challenges their traditional understandings and connects them to the sacredness of the Jewish temple without the necessity of earthly structures. The metaphor serves not only to reshape their self-perception but also to redefine their communal and spiritual identity in a way that resonates with both their Jewish heritage and their new Christian faith.
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