In:
Harvard Theological Review, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 108, No. 4 ( 2015-10), p. 579-593
Abstract:
When we read early Christian narratives such as the Acts of Paul and Thecla , what is the relationship between the characters portrayed in the story and the “real-life” persons and groups who composed and transmitted the work? In the second-century Greek account, Thecla abandons her fiancé and family to follow Paul and his ascetic message. She endures a trial by fire in Iconium, resists sexual assault on the road to Antioch, and survives attacks by beasts in the Antiochene arena, all the while supported by a wealthy widow as her patron, a friendly lioness as her protector, and a chorus of women in the stadium who extol her perseverance and cry out to the governor for mercy. In the end, after baptizing herself, Thecla is released, dresses herself like a man, and begins preaching the gospel as an itinerant apostle.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0017-8160
,
1475-4517
DOI:
10.1017/S0017816015000395
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2051494-3
SSG:
1
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