Paulinisches Marketing zwischen Inkulturation und Ironie. Argumentationsstrategien in der Areopagrede (Apg 17,22b–31)

Abstract

Abstract This contribution discusses the understanding of inculturation that is operative for Luke’s Paul in the Areopagus speech. It combines philological analysis of conspicuous features of the text with an evaluation of archeological data to situate the Areopagus speech within the socio-cultural context of Athens. An interpretation of verse 31 is proposed that does not include reference to an eschatological event and which could help to clarify the often discussed soteriological and christological difficulties of the argumention. Thus it becomes evident that the adopted stance of the Lukan Paul before the Areopagus is marked by ironic inversions and anti-imperial critique.