Abstract
Jewish literature regarding eschatology is one of the backgrounds for Paul’s eschatological joy in Philippians. While the OT emphasizes the future joy of a national eschatology, and the Pseudepigrapha develops the moral element, Paul presents a unique triangular concept of eschatological joy between him, the Philippians, and God, emphasizing the communal aspect within believers. His focus shifts from national and moral joy in the Jewish literature to Christ/mission-centered joy. In his already-not-yet eschatological framework, Paul smoothly connects the present joy with the future joy, which is a sharp distinction in the OT, stressing that joy is possible and obligatory for the present, even during suffering.
Recommended Citation
Chen, Shishou
(2022)
"Paul’s Eschatological Joy in Philippians in Its Jewish Background,"
The Journal of Inductive Biblical Studies:
Vol. 8:
Iss.
2, p. 49-72.
Available at:
https://place.asburyseminary.edu/jibs/vol8/iss2/5
