Dr. Müller on Abraham in the Epistle to the Galatians

Abraham in the Epistle to the Galatians. The Galatian Controversy and the Early Jewish Discourse on Abraham - Dr. Jonas Müller

In Galatia, Paul finds himself confronted by an opposing faction that threatens his influence over the churches. It is striking that, in the core argument of the letter (Gal 3–4), he draws on Abraham to a surprising extent. This dissertation takes up this very point and asks: What role does Abraham play in the Galatian controversy? Contrary to a widespread scholarly consensus that explains the Abraham argument primarily as a reaction to an Abraham-centered argument put forward by the opposing teachers, this dissertation argues that Paul introduces Abraham into the Galatian context on his own initiative and independently. Thus, Paul’s approach appears to be a strategic argument that resonates within Jewish thought, through which Paul defines the identity and belonging of the Galatians.

Dr. Jonas Müller’s dissertation is now available here.