Identität bei Paulus: Beobachtungen am Galaterbrief

Abstract

In the discussion of ‘identity’ in Paul's writings, the question whether the apostle holds to a view of salvation history is a controversial matter. The most important aspects of ‘identity’ play a part, however, in Galatians: namely the individual, the social, the mental and the habitual. In 1.6–2.14 the letter discusses a transformation in the life of the author; in 2.15–21 this is the case for Jewish (Christian) persons and in 3.1–6.17 for non-Jewish (Christian) ones. To be sure, the law is thereby relativized (see the enthymeme in 2.14b). The circumcision commandment should not to be forced upon non-Jewish (Christian) persons (see 5.2–6), because salvation is not mediated byργα νόμου. After joining Christ (cf. 2.20; 3.18, 25; 4.7: οὐκτι), according to Paul, one has to take heed of the danger of a relapse, thus falling behind this event (cf. 2.18; 4.9b; 5.1: restitutive πάλιν). Furthermore, the apostle expects, astonishingly enough, a habitus of the addressees conforming to the law (see 5.14, 23b; 6.2). And the ‘Israel of God’ (compare especially Ps 127[128].6; 4QMMT C31–32; PapMur 42.7) even receives a peace greeting in 6.16. This view probably stands contrary to many exegetical expectations (due to the [purely] non-Jewish identities of Christians through many centuries).