DESCRIPTION
The monetary fund that the apostle Paul organized among his Gentile congregations for the Jewish-Christian community in Jerusalem was clearly an important endeavor to Paul; discussion of it occupies several prominent passages in his letters. In this book David Downs carefully investigates that offering from historical, sociocultural, and theological standpoints.
Downs first pieces together a chronological account of Paul's fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Jerusalem church, based primarily on information from the Pauline epistles. He then examines the sociocultural context of the collection, including gift-giving practices in the ancient Mediterranean world relating to benefaction and care for the poor. Finally, Downs explores how Paul framed this contribution rhetorically as a religious offering consecrated to God.
REVIEWS
Richard S. Ascough in Religious Studies Review
"Erudite and convincing, this book is the new touchpoint for future research on Paul's collection for the Jerusalem church."
Joshua W. Jipp in Themelios
"A tightly argued, well-written, and thorough study of Paul's collection. . . . What is so refreshing about Downs's work is his skillful ability to engage in historical and sociocultural work as well as providing a significant theological interpretation of Paul's religious rhetoric."
Beverly Roberts Gaventa (from foreword)
"David Downs's book on the place of the collection in Paul's letters will make it exceedingly difficult to maintain [the common] bifurcation between Paul's spiritual message and his physical concerns. . . . The Offering of the Gentiles is a challenge to all readers of Paul to understand the holistic character of his message."