Ascended far above all the heavens : rhetorical functioning of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8–10
Date
2014-03
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
Abstract
The letter to the Ephesians employs various communicative strategies in responding to the
rhetorical situation of its implied recipients. Focusing on the recipients’ new identity and
ethos ἐν Χριστῷ [in Christ], the text emphasises supernatural elements such as resurrection,
ascension, heavenly places, revealed mystery, Spirit and power. At the same time, it adopts
a rich mosaic of traditional materials, inter alia echoing the Hebrew Scriptures, Hellenistic
traditions and early-Christian liturgical traditions. This article explores the dynamic yet
complex intertextual fusion and reappropriation of (mainly Jewish) traditions in Ephesians as
the author’s experience and understanding of the ascended Christ. Special attention is given
to the probable functioning of Psalm 68:18 (LXX 67:19) in Ephesians 4:1–16. In conclusion, the
essay investigates the intended rhetorical effect of material from the Hebrew Scriptures in the
letter – as construction of Christian identity in continuation with the story of Israel and from
within the context of Empire.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Mouton, E. A. J. 2014. Ascended far above all the heavens: Rhetorical functioning of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8–10?. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, 70(1), doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2058.
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Mouton, E. A. J. 2014. Ascended far above all the heavens: Rhetorical functioning of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8–10?. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, 70(1), doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2058.
Keywords
Bible. Ephesians, IV, 8-10 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc., Bible. Psalms, LXVIII, 18 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc., Heaven -- Christianity
Citation
Mouton, E. A. J. 2014. Ascended far above all the heavens: Rhetorical functioning of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8–10?. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, 70(1), doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2058.