Subject: Towner (NICNT) on background for Titus
From: Perry L. Stepp (plstepp@kcu.edu)
Date: Tue Feb 20 2007 - 14:14:02 EST
In his new commentary (NICNT), Philip Towner (who argues for Pauline
authorship via a free amanuensis) introduces what is (at least to me) a new
argument regarding the context of Titus. He points to local Cretan
mythology regarding Zeus as a deified / ascended Cretan king (thus born on
the island, NOT on Olympus), etc., and how Cretan portrayals of Zeus are of
a long-haired young man, with all the impulsiveness and lusts of youth.
These myths, Towner argues, provide the backdrop for reading Titus. And the
first interpretive key to the letter is 1.2b, hO APSEDHS QEOS. From there,
Towner reads the letter as polemically engaging the Cretan views of Zeus AND
empire and emperor ("appearing," descriptions of God's character, etc.)
Has anyone other than Towner read Titus on this basis? Has anyone critiqued
this reading, beyond a brusque and reactionary "the PE are pseudonymous,
Towner thinks they're Pauline" dismissal?
Perry L. Stepp, Ph.D., Bh.D.
Associate Professor, Biblical Studies and Theology
Kentucky Christian University
http://theophiluspunk.blogspot.com
http://www.pastoralepistles.com
Every once in a while, you can be shown the light
In the strangest of places, if you look at it right.
(Robert Hunter)
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