Podcast Discussion: Reassessing Apostolic Authorship

Participants:

• Host
• Dr. Nina Liy (Guest)

Main Topics Discussed:

Dr. Nina Liy's Upcoming Book

• Title: "Reassessing Apostolic Authorship"
• Focus: Authenticity of the Pauline Epistles
• Book Link: Available in the video description

Journey from Authenticity to Inauthenticity of the Letters

• Initial Belief:

  • Training and education emphasized seven authentic letters of Paul.
  • Common belief held for over 50 years.

• Change in Perspective:

  • Dr. Liy now believes none of the Pauline letters are authentic.
  • New insights gained through scholarship, experiences, and a deeper look at rhetorical techniques.

Influence of Rhetorical Studies

• Key Influences:

  • Comparison with Cicero and Dionysius, both professional orators.
  • In-depth look at rhetorical theory and its role in constructing texts.

• Rhetoric's Role:

  • Constructs truth, not merely an enhancement.
  • Rhetorical techniques help construct narratives and character voices.

Re-Evaluation of Pauline Letters

• Skepticism:

  • Influenced by a classicist colleague's perspective on overconfidence in assessing the letters' authenticity.

• Research:

  • Investigated the process of authentication and found it unsubstantiated.
  • Inspired by Patricia Rosen Meyer's work on ancient epistolary fiction.

Dating of the Pauline Epistles

• Original Dating: Mid-1st century
• Revised Dating: After the gospels, possibly post-Acts
  • Paul's letters require knowledge of the passion narrative, aligning them after the composition of the gospels.

Relationship Between Acts and Pauline Epistles

• Priority:

  • Dr. Liy argues that the letters are derivative of Acts.
  • Acts must precede the letters; it doesn't mention them, suggesting they were known post-composition.

• Character Development:

  • Paul as a character developed in Acts, then takes shape in the letters.

Historical Reliability and Purpose

• Purpose of Letters:

  • Use of the letter genre is seen as genius.
  • Letters convey authority and have inherent rhetorical power.

• Historical Paul:

  • Skepticism about Paul existing as a historical figure.
  • Acts is not historically reliable but valuable for its narrative.

Conclusion

• Role of Paul:
  • Paul, as a literary figure, is crucial to Christian tradition.
  • The letters might not be historical, but they are powerful for their intended audience.

Closing Remarks:

• Dr. Liy's book challenges traditional views, inviting deeper examination of early Christian texts.
• Encouragement to explore her work for a comprehensive understanding of apostolic authorship.