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This volume comprises seven essays by Hans Dieter Betz dealing with contested passages or issues in Paul´s most difficult and personal letter written during his imprisonment in Rome. The chapters represent exegetical investigations and apply the methods of rhetorical and literary criticism, including philological and historical analysis. As a result, Betz is able to offer new proposals for interpreting the apostle´s unique last message to his churches. The proposals explore the letter´s literary composition, genre and history; furthermore they examine Paul´s situation prior to his presumed martyrdom, his expectations for the future and his relation to his churches.

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