Paul and the Therapy of Desire
Epithymia, God’s Grace, and Love in the Spirit
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
In this book Nelida Naveros Cordova offers an in-depth analysis of the use of the Greek term epithymia (desire) and cognates in Paul's seven genuine letters, in light of the Greek philosophical traditions of Plato and the Stoics and the Hellenistic Jewish traditions of Philo and 4 Maccabees. Through the lens of these traditions of interpretations, Pauline texts are thoughtfully examined to bring to the fore his ethical understanding of the passion of desire, focusing on its association with idolatry within Paul's Christocentric monotheism and sexual vices that were common in the pagan Greco-Roman world. Naveros Cordova not only expounds the dangers of epithymia and its negative sequels (all kinds of passions/desires, sinful passions beyond measure, and excessive sexual desire), but also comprehensively elucidates Paul's solution to the problem of epithymia. She argues that Paul's remedy to avoid and/or control desire and eliminate excessive or irrational desire is not based on the practice of a "commandment" or food laws, which is the solution that Philo and 4 Maccabees give. Rather, Paul, as a Hellenistic-Jewish believer, develops his solution in the context of his Christocentric approach founded in the grace of God and the love commandment in the Spirit.
Endorsements (3)
“This book is a wonderfully rich resource and fine discussion of desire in Paul within the context of his world, based on extensive engagement with the literature of Paul’s era and informed interaction with recent contemporary research.”
“Until now, research has mainly focused on Greek-Hellenistic philosophy and Jewish religion in which Paul’s warnings against desire (epithumia) are to be understood. In contrast to this approach, Nélida Naveros Córdova shows how Paul teaches to overcome desire. Paul suggests a higher doctrine and solution to the problem of desire (epithumia) founded in the grace of God, the Spirit of God/Christ, and the love commandment or law of Christ.”
“Naveros Córdova offers an excellent historical understanding of the Hellenistic Jewish and Greek philosophical roots for Paul’s understanding of desire and its effects on a person’s body and relationships with others. Through a comprehensive reading of texts across Paul’s undisputed letters, she also shows how Paul offers a life in Christ and the Spirit as a solution to the problem of desire. This book is extremely useful for both veteran scholars and students of ministry who wish to have a contextualized understanding of Paul’s teachings on desire and sexual passion.”
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