6533b834fe1ef96bd129d4d0
RESEARCH PRODUCT
The Portrayal of Paul's Outer Appearance in the Acts of Paul and Thecla. Re-Considering the Correspondence between Body and Personality in Ancient Literature
Heike Omerzusubject
Ancient literatureThamyrisInterpretation (philosophy)Philosophymedia_common.quotation_subjectReligious studiesIdentity (social science)PhysiognomyHistory of religionsPersonalityIconographyTheologySocial Sciences (miscellaneous)media_commondescription
AbstractThis essay claims that Paul's description in Acts Paul Thecl. 3, if read against the background of Graeco-Roman physiognomics, i.e., the belief in the coherence between outer appearance and inner qualities of a person, is not derogative as assumed in older research but agreeable. The positive interpretation of Paul's outer appearance is corroborated by an analysis of the reactions he evokes in followers (Onesiphorus, Thecla) as well as opponents (Theoclia, Thamyris). It is demonstrated that Paul's physiognomy corresponds to his apostolic identity.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-01-01 | Religion and Theology |