Persuading the Galatians: A Text-Centred Rhetorical Analysis of a Pauline Letter

The normal approach to the rhetorical analysis of the Letter to the Galatians is to choose a specific rhetorical model (usually an ancient one) whereby the letter is then analysed. D. Francois Tolmie’s study represents an alternative in that the author does not choose a particular rhetorical model to apply to the text. Instead, he follows a text-centred approach in that Paul’s rhetorical strategy is carefully reconstructed from the letter itself. The letter is divided into 18 rhetorical phases; the dominant rhetorical strategy in each phase is then identified and described, in conjunction with all the supportive strategies and rhetorical techniques used in the particular phase. Finally, the results of the analysis are integrated in two ways: Firstly, Paul’s overall argument in the letter is outlined in terms of six broad objectives that he wishes to achieve by means of the letter. Secondly, the wide variety of arguments that Paul uses in the letter is discussed.