Abstract

This paper analyzes the periautologia in Galatians 1:13–2:21 according to Plutarch’s essay On Praising Oneself. According to Plutarch, self-praise is morally offensive. Nevertheless, some circumstances or occasions, different purposes, and antidotes and correctives –rhetorical expedients and argumentative techniques – legitimize boasting and render it acceptable and persuasive. The principal antidotes used by Paul in Gal 1:13–2:21 are: changing of person (Gal 1:13,15-16,23,24; 2:5,7); authority of God (Gal 1:15-16; 2:2,7,8-9,15-16,19-20); the claim of necessity or obligation (Gal 2:18-20); generalization of language (Gal 2,6.16); the advantageous purpose towards the believers (Gal 2:5,14); litotes (Gal 1:22; 2:2); and finally reference to the efforts and difficulties in achieving an enterprise (Gal 2:2). Because of the interchange between Christ and Paul (Gal 2:20), Paul’s curriculum vitae «demonstrates» how justification is accomplished by faith in Christ, and not by Law, nor by works of the Law.