“Our πολίτευμα Belongs in Heaven” (Phil 3:20)

Journal article

Abstract This article argues that Paul’s narrative about collective πολίτευμα in heaven (Phil 3:20) constitutes a moment of climactic consolation in the letter to the Philippians. This position is reached through an extended comparison with Seneca’s On Consolation to Mother Helvia (Ad Helviam). It emerges that similar narratives of consolation are constructed in the Ad Helviam and Phil 3:15–21. In both texts, adversity is recognised and rationalised, before it is defied then transcended through rhetorical and cosmological arguments. There are, however, also differences owing to Paul’s and Seneca’s different contexts: in particular, the threat of certain Judaizing opponents to Paul’s gospel in Philippi.

Authors: Muir, AW

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers
• Journal: Novum Testamentum: An International Quarterly for New Testament and Related Studies
• Volume: 64
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 249-266
• Publication date: 2022-03-11
• DOI: 10.1163/15685365-bja10011
• EISSN: 1568-5365
• ISSN: 0048-1009
• Language: English
• Keywords: Heaven; Literature; Biblical studies; Narrative; Philosophy; Art history; Gospel; Rhetorical question; Homecoming; History; Linguistics; Theology; Consolation; Art