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Fourth Maccabees and the Promotion of the Jewish Philosophy

Rhetoric, Intertexture, and Reception

David A deSilva author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:James Clarke & Co Ltd

Published:23rd Feb '23

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Fourth Maccabees and the Promotion of the Jewish Philosophy cover

Fourth Maccabees is a superbly craft­ed oration that presents a case for the Jewish way of life couched almost entirely in terms of Greek ethical ideals. Using an expansion upon previous scriptural narratives as an opportunity for philosophical exposition, its author delights in the Torah, the Law of Moses, as the divinely given path to becoming our best selves now. Moreover, drawing upon Greek logic tradition, he develops an elaborate rationalisation of that law based upon the promise of eternal life with God. In this collection of essays spanning two decades of study, David deSilva examines the formative training that produced such an author, the rhetorical craft present in his work, and the author's creative use of both Jewish and Greek literary resources. Finally, he demonstrates the book's enduring message and legacy in the Christian church, from theological influence on Origen to textual relations within Codex Sinaiticus.

'This collection of essays is from a world-leading scholar on 4 Maccabees and the Apocrypha. The contributions represent two decades of deSilva's research and are essential reading for those interested in Jewish engagement with Greek literary culture, rhetoric, and education.' Sean A. Adams, University of Glasgow 'In his third major scholarly contribution to 4 Maccabees, deSilva masterfully offers new insights into the study of this literary and philosophical jewel of ancient wisdom. Oft­en overlooked by Christians and Jews, the text comes back to life as a fundamental testimony for understanding the intersection between Hellenistic Judaism and Christian origins.' Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan

ISBN: 9780227177891

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

270 pages