In this practical book every occurrence of astheneia and its cognates in the Pauline Epistles is examined, both in its immediate context and in its relation to Pauline thought as a whole. The analysis begins, first, by examining both secular and Septuagintal Greek usages of astheneia as well as its usage in the non-Pauline New Testament writings. It then proceeds, secondly, by defining Paul's astheneia termini from letter to letter and context to context. All the passages in the Pauline literature where the words appear undergo a detailed exegetical examination. The Pauline weakness motif is then summarized, with the conclusion that the concept of weakness is foundational to Paul's anthropology, Christology, and ethics.
I am looking forward to reading this one. Paul was someone quite content to exert influence by power, using force to persecute Christians, taking pride in his learning. Then Jesus came into his life and struck him blind, making him as helpless as one could be. Throughout his ministry Paul recognized that when he was weak, he relied on Christ and then and only then was he strengthened. Can't wait to see how Dr. Black addresses this counter-cultural notion of weakness as a virtue!
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