Research Articles (Old and New Testament)

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1 Corinthians 7:17–24 : identity and human dignity amidst power and liminality
(AOSIS OpenJournal, 2012-04) Punt, Jeremy
Paul’s concern with identity, and in particular the identity of the believer in relation to Jesus Christ, is an important concern in his writings. In the midst of an important section dedicated to advice and instruction on marriage in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul encouraged his audience in 1 Corinthians 7:17–24 to remain in the calling by, or position in, which they were called. Concerning these circumstances he refers to circumcision (1 Cor 7:18–19) and slavery (1 Cor 7:21–23) by name. These Pauline instructions are investigated against the backdrop of both the 1st century CE context and post-apartheid South Africa, where issues of identity and marginality rub shoulders with claims to ownership and entitlement, on the one hand, and issues of human dignity, on the other
The accusation of world disturbers’ (Acts 17:6) in socio-political context
(AOSIS Publishing, 2016) Punt, Jeremy
Acts 17:1–9 presents a narrative of the consequences of Paul’s engagements in Thessalonica’s synagogue. Following Paul and Silas’ reported successful 3-week mission, some Jews hauled Paul and Silas’ host, Jason, and a number of Jesus followers before the authorities. The threefold accusation was that Paul and Silas turned the world upside down, acted against Caesar’s decrees and claimed another king, Jesus. This incident is investigated from the perspective of Acts’ presentation of competing missions, in the context of the intersectionality of religion and politics in the 1st century CE. The article challenges a narrow theological interpretation of Acts 17, insisting on the need for and value of a socio-political interpretive lens to make sense of the rhetoric of this chapter.
The African Church's application of anointing oil : an expression of Christian spirituality or a display of fetish ancestral religion?
(AOSIS, 2021-01-28) Biwul, Joel K. T.
The content of Christian spirituality that made waves since the inception of the early church soon took on different contours as the faith got adapted to different gentile contexts. The expression of this faith, along with its liturgical symbolism and sacramental observances, is still gaining momentum in African Christianity. The emerging practice of the use of ‘anointing oil’ in its religious expression is receiving more attention than the Christ of the Gospel. In this article, we argue that against its primitive intent, the use of the ‘anointing oil’ by the African Church is a mere display of fetish ancestral religion that expresses its unique African traditional religious root rather than a true expression of Christian spirituality. Our thesis is framed on the basis that the manner in which some African churches apply the purported ‘anointing oil’ is discriminatory vis-à-vis its ancient understanding and purpose. In our attempt to address this damaging practice to true Christian spirituality, also standing as a huge challenge for pastoral theology, we undertook a careful historical–theological analysis of the extant biblical data and its contextual interpretation vis-à-vis its distortion today. We concluded that what pastoral theologians have to deal with within the Christian community in Africa is offering the right biblical perspective against the distorted mode of the application of the contemporary purported ‘anointing oil’ that is falsely projecting the Christian faith and belief in a bad light.
Angelo o Angela? : issues of degenderization in the depictions of angelic beings in the Bible
(Old Testament Society of South Africa, 2016) Olojede, Funlola
Most studies of angelic beings in the Bible do not attempt to interrogate their gender presumably because of Jesus' statement in Matt 22:30 that angels do not marry neither are they given in marriage. Therefore, this article offers a textual review of biblical women's encounter with angelic beings and of instances in Scriptures in which angelic beings appear in what appear to be gendered forms which call into question the assumption that angels are sexless or genderless. It is argued that some form of degenderization is discernible in the depiction of these celestial beings in the Bible which could have significant implications for feminist biblical discourse of the ancient texts.
Anything new under the sun? : exploring further avenues for writing another commentary on Chronicles
(University of the Free State, Faculty of Theology, 2018) Jonker, Louis C.
Over the past two decades, there has been an explosion of new commentaries on Chronicles. Scholars may justifiably ask whether there is anything new under the sun to investigate in another commentary on this book. Having been contracted to produce a commentary for the Old Testament Library series (as follow-up to Japhet's majestic commentary), I am investigating some new avenues for this endeavour. Three potential areas are discussed: utilizing Achaemenid royal inscriptions and written records for the interpretation of Chronicles; revisiting theories on the composition of Chronicles, and bringing Chronicles and Pentateuchal studies into conversation with one another.
An Apocalyptic Womb? The Great Harlot of Revelation 17-18
(2020-12) Punt, Jeremy
The depiction of the literary figure of the Great Harlotin Revelation17and 18is a poignant expression of the wider New Testamentapocalyptic concern withGod’s power over humanity and creation. The depiction portrays what is deemedrequisite social control through and over women’s bodies,andin a particularly poignant way,inthat of the Great Harlot.This essayexplores how a neglected element, namely the Harlot’s womb is tenuously present and,alongsidedivine power,is eschatologically positioned and apocalyptically framed in Revelation17-18, while exploring its intersections with the violence generated within a gendered context andthrough the posturing of authorita-rian political and social regimes
Apostolic folly : Pauline foolishness discourse in socio-historical context
(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2019) Punt, Jeremy
Foolishness discourse is prominent in the Pauline letters, not only because of its statistical prevalence but also because of its centrality to the argumentation in the letters. Paul’s arguments on wisdom and foolishness are mostly done in close proximity to the associated notions of strength and weakness, and together reverberate within the context of the all-pervasive, all-powerful Roman Empire, as both the reflection and distillate of it, as well as the fabricator and promotor of similar notions and values. The focus of this contribution is to understand the importance of Paul’s self-portrayal as fool for the discourse he constructs in 1 Corinthians 1–4, and in particular, for his apostolic self-understanding and the portrayal and presentation of his message within this foolishness discourse.
Appeased with death : Old Testament insights on life and death, for the Church in Africa, confronted by HIV/AIDS
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2009) Van Zyl, Danie C.
Notions on life and death in the Old Testament are explored with reference to the HIV-Aids pandemic. These perspectives are firstly dealt with within the context of other Ancient Near Eastern notions and the social reality of Ancient Israel and are illustrated from a close and involved reading of Psalm 39. These are then discussed with reference to African views on life and death, suggesting ways in which the African church can contribute from the Old Testament in dealing with people living with HIV and Aids.
Appropriating the decalogue according to African proverbs
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2002) Bosman, Hendrik L.
This article argues the following: (i) there is a close but neglected relationship between “torah” and “hokmah” in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and this should be reflected in the interpretation of the Decalogue. (ii) African proverbs/ wisdom can be utilized as a hermeneutical sounding board for the appropriation of the Decalogue in African contexts.
The aqedah in the New Testament : sacrifice, violence and human dignity
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2009) Punt, Jeremy
This paper examines the relationship between violence and human dignity in a religious context where sacrifice, even if only at discursive level, is common. The New Testament has two direct references to Gen 22, known as the Aqedah (binding of Isaac), in Heb 11:17-19 and Jas 2:23, but possibly also various other allusions to the Aqedah. In both direct references, and in line with the biblical and most of the Christian (and also Jewish and Islam) tradition, the Aqedah is taken as positive indication of Abraham’s faith. A brief investigation of the reception of the Aqedah in the New Testament, leads to the consideration of its wider reach, particularly to what extent sacrifice generally informs the relationship between violence and human dignity in the New Testament. In doing so, the explicit and implicit consequences of this narrative and sacrificial practices are shown to be multi-fold, wide-ranging and ambiguous.
Ascended far above all the heavens : rhetorical functioning of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8–10
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2014-03) Mouton, Elna
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.
Aspects of the rhetoric of South African New Testament scholarship anno 1992
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 1993) Botha, Jan
Towards the end of the era of fixation on text immanent approaches, (such as structuralism, reading the New Testament as literature, etcetera) which characterized South African New Testament scholarship during the 70’s and 80’s, more and more voices could be heard complaining that-because of these approaches-New Testament scholarship has become irrelevant within the political, ecclesiastical and even theological, contexts of South Africa. In 1992 two collections of essays, dealing respectively with the ethics and the theology of (almost) all the books in the New Testament, were published. Most of the prominent New Testament scholars in the country contributed to these collections of essays. Both were written shortly after the fundamental process of change in South Africa swung into motion at the beginning of 1990. Thus one could expect to find the reaction of South African New Testament scholarship to these events in these two collections. In this article aspects of the rhetoric of these collections of essays are analysed. In particular the question is asked: do these essays witness the development of a ‘grammar’ in terms of which South African New Testament scholarship can argue in a socially and theologically relevant manner within the changing South African context.
An assessment of the priestly emolument in Numbers 18:8-32
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2010) Ajah, Miracle
This article seeks to examine how a theological reflection on the priestly emolument in Numbers 18:8-32 would enhance a better interpretation of stewardship amongst believing communities in Africa. Dependency syndrome amongst most African churches, especially those established by Europeans has robbed them of the prestige of adopting a selfsupporting/propagating programme. The thesis of this paper maintains that a good synchronization of the tradition-historical exegetical method proposed by Gnuse will facilitate a good interpretation of the priestly emoluments in Numbers 18 and their subsequent application to the church in Africa today. Comparable texts from the Ancient Near East that may have influenced Numbers 18 were surveyed; the possible oral prehistory of Numbers 18 was scrutinized; the connection of Numbers 18 to other priestly traditions was examined; and the use or interpretation of the pericope by the wider biblical tradition concluded the study. The practice of tithes in Numbers 18 was rooted in the theological understanding that the LORD was the owner of the land and the Israelites were to tithe all the wealth of the land as a means of submitting to that sovereign ownership. This same understanding will motivate a strong stewardship and independence amongst churches in Africa.
The autor in Luke-Acts
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 1990) Du Plooy, Gerhardus Petrus Viljoen
The author is a much-debated subject in literary criticism. Halfway through the twentieth century literary critics predominately approved of the absent author. It is argued here that the authorial meaning cannot be separated from a text. The key in terms of a narrative text is that, in the experience of reading, the reader is confronted with an authorial consciousness, which influences the process of reading. The present paper contends that a differentiation of the implied author enables the reader to assess in a more detailed way the ideology of the text. As test case the prologue, ‘we’-sections and speeches of Luke-Acts are considered. The implied author is traced as formal textual structure, and as creator of the value-structure in the total narrative world.
Barnabas or Saul : who is describing Saul’s conversion in Acts 9:27?
(OASIS Publishing, 2015) Wilson, Mark
This article examines a problem of translation in Acts 9:27 regarding who should be the subject of the sentence – Barnabas or Saul. Through a close examination of the Greek text in its broader pericope, it explores whether Barnabas was the one who told the apostles in Jerusalem about Saul’s conversion. It also discusses the importance of eyewitness testimony to Luke in his Gospel and Acts. The article closes with a fresh observation about the conversion account’s significance within the narrative structure of Acts.
Behold the glory of the King : the chiastic structures of Matthew 21−25
(AOSIS Publishing, 2015) Scholtz, Jaco
The Olivet Discourse is complex and difficult to interpret, but crucial to any preaching about eschatology. By identifying two chiastic structures that mirror each other, namely in Matthew 21:1−23:39 and 24:1−25:46, the relation and correspondence of the parts to each other and to the whole may be identified. Whereas the centre of the chiastic structure of Matthew 21:1−23:39 emphasises the authority and identity of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Son of David, the centre of the chiastic structure of 24:1−25:46 focuses on the sign and coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 21:1−25:46 could be a major literary unit that emphasises the King’s entrance into, rejection of and exit from the temple and Jerusalem during his first coming, juxtaposed with the sign and coming of the Son of Man to Jerusalem in glory. Until then, the Lord expects his followers to watch, to be ready and prepared as they labour faithfully for him in these last days.
Behold the glory of the King : the chiastic structures of Matthew 21−25
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2015-03) Scholtz, Jacob J.
The Olivet Discourse is complex and difficult to interpret, but crucial to any preaching about eschatology. By identifying two chiastic structures that mirror each other, namely in Matthew 21:1−23:39 and 24:1−25:46, the relation and correspondence of the parts to each other and to the whole may be identified. Whereas the centre of the chiastic structure of Matthew 21:1−23:39 emphasises the authority and identity of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Son of David, the centre of the chiastic structure of 24:1−25:46 focuses on the sign and coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 21:1−25:46 could be a major literary unit that emphasises the King’s entrance into, rejection of and exit from the temple and Jerusalem during his first coming, juxtaposed with the sign and coming of the Son of Man to Jerusalem in glory. Until then, the Lord expects his followers to watch, to be ready and prepared as they labour faithfully for him in these last days.
Being wise and being female in Old Testament and in Africa
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2012) Olojede, Funlola
Woman Wisdom in the book of Proverbs is viewed as an enigmatic figure who performs multifaceted roles of a teacher, builder, and nourisher, among other things. Drawing on Proverbs 9:1-6, this paper looks at the depiction of Woman Wisdom as a hospitable woman who beckons to others to come and share of her bounty. The association of the seemingly affluent Woman Wisdom with hospitality calls to mind the image of the African woman who carries out her own hospitality and accommodativeness often in the midst of aggravating poverty. The paper therefore urges the wealthy to take a cue from Woman Wisdom and be more ready to share freely of their overflow and of their space as a way of alleviating poverty in Africa and upholding the dignity of all. It also calls on women and women groups to emulate Woman Wisdom by offering alternative strategies to the chronic poverty on the continent.
Being wise betwixt order and mystery : keeping the commandments and fearing the Lord
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2012) Bosman, Hendrik L.
Any attempt to come to grips with ‘the fear of the Lord’ as a key concept for the interpretation of Old Testament wisdom, must appreciate that it is rooted in texts that presuppose an encounter with God that can cause a variety of responses: a feeling of horror or terror; as well as reverent awe that forms the basis of the pious veneration of the Lord in the form of obedience and praise. Although statistical analysis reveals a concentration of occurrences in Deuteronomy (and the so-called Deuteronomistic History), the Psalms and Wisdom literature, it does not presuppose a clear linear development. The theological interpretation of Old Testament wisdom literature must be aware of the ongoing creative tension between order (keeping the commandments) and mystery (fearing the Lord) – as summarized in the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes (12:13).
Believers or loyalists? : identity and social responsibility of Jesus communities in the Empire
(AOSIS Publishing, 2017) Punt, Jeremy
The narrowed down translation of πίστις to [belief] skews the interpretation of the Pauline letters, where this word-group primarily denotes loyalty and fidelity, including notions of trust, confidence and conviction. These notions, if in different ways, framed the Jesus communities’ relationship to God as well as to the imperial context in significant ways. In the end, rather than faithful discipleship and responsible citizenship, the Pauline letters promoted faithful citizenship.

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