advancements in Old Testament and New Testament Studies. For example, new
knowledge is available on the variant versions of the Septuagint and application of
the literary concept of intertextuality has yielded significant results in recent biblical
scholarship. However, considering that 1 Peter arguably uses the Old Testament in
the most condensed manner of all the New Testament writings, it is surprising that
relatively few recent studies have been carried out on the use of the Old Testament
in 1 Peter.
As a partial corrective to this situation, this in-depth study is focused on the use of
the Psalms in 1 Peter, utilizing an integrated hermeneutical procedure that combines
traditional grammatical-historical analysis with the state of the art on New Testament
use of the Old Testament. The aim is to clarify the hermeneutical implications of the
use of the Psalms in 1 Peter for Old Testament and New Testament exegesis within
the Reformed tradition today.
Thus, a comprehensive exegetical approach is systematically applied to each
pericope of 1 Peter and to every relevant Psalm passage in order to establish a valid
foundation for understanding how the author interprets the Psalms and how the
Psalm references function within the argument of 1 Peter.
In addition, intertextual resonance is considered as an effective means to enhance
understanding of the function and effect of Psalm references as intended by the
author, and to determine the possible unintended effect of Psalm references upon
the addressees and later readers. Furthermore, consideration of reader response
sometimes makes it possible to identify echoes of Psalm passages not likely
intended by the author, but nevertheless, very likely to have come to the minds of the
recipients with significant effect.
One conclusion of this study is that there is no compelling evidence that the author’s
interpretation of the Psalms ignored the intended meaning of the Psalm in its own
context, or merely reflected contemporary Second Temple interpretations.
Furthermore, it has been possible to refine the criteria for identifying and classifying
Psalm allusions rather than merely following broad, predetermined criteria. Thus, a
distinction is made between specific allusion, in which case the author’s argument
depends upon recognition of specific Psalm passages, and general allusion, in which
case the author’s argument depends upon a concept recognizably derived from the
Psalms but not limited by the wording of specific references.
This study also demonstrates that the use of the Psalms in 1 Peter is based upon a
strong sense of solidarity with believers of the past, especially as they expressed
their responses to God in the context of suffering. In particular, compared with other
New Testament writings, 1 Peter stands out for the fact that the majority of its Psalm
allusions are used for the purpose of developing and reapplying significant themes. Thus, 1 Peter provides compelling reason for present-day interpreters to view theme
development as a valid and effective way to apply the Psalms to the circumstances
of Christian believers as they face the challenge of living faithfully in new contexts of
suffering and persecution. / PhD (New Testament), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/11935 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Phillips, Gregory Yorath |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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