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  1. Theology Books/
  2. Pauline Theology

Weak Elements, Weak Flesh: Reading Galatians in Conversation with Philo and Greek Medical Discourse

by Ernest P. Clark

  • Hardback
  • Publisher: Fortress Academic
  • 15.3 x 22.9 x 2.1 cm

£113.13

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In Weak Elements, Weak Flesh, Ernest Clark reinvigorates an ancient interpretation overlooked since the fourth century. Clark argues that when Paul writes "we too were enslaved under the elements of the world," he means that the elements that compose the cosmos also compose and compromise the flesh, allowing sin to enslave human persons through their bodies (Gal 4.3). This book demonstrates that early Jews introduced the phrase στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου to refer to the material elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Greek medicine understood these elements to mediate the bodily stimuli and desires which enslave the soul. In his philosophy according to the cosmic elements, Philo promotes the law of Moses as the effective way to be "redeemed from slavery" to the flesh and to attain righteousness. Paul's epistle to the Galatians opposes this sort of "redemptive nomism." Paul accepts that weak elements compose the weak flesh and that they mediate sinful stimuli and desires that lead to the actions of the flesh. However, he denies that the law can make people alive or righteous. Instead, Paul prescribes crucifixion with Christ and new life with the Spirit as the cure for sin's infection of the flesh made of weak elements.
Weak Elements, Weak Flesh: Reading Galatians in Conversation with Philo and Greek Medical Discourse and Paul
PaulWeak Elements, Weak Flesh: Reading Galatians in Conversation with Philo and Greek Medical Discourse

  • Author

    Ernest P. Clark

  • Book Format

    Hardcover

  • Publisher

    Fortress Academic

  • Published

    December 2023

  • Weight

    613g

  • Dimensions

    15.3 x 22.9 x 2.1 cm

  • ISBN

    9781978713956

  • ISBN-10

    1978713959

  • Eden Code

    6369241

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