Description: In this fundamental and at times provocative study, Walker demonstrates that Paul's letters contain later, non-Pauline additions or interpolations and that such interpolations can sometimes be identified with relative confidence. He begins by establishing that interpolations are to be assumed simply on a priori grounds, that direct text-critical evidence is not essential for their recognition, that the burden of proof in their identification is lighter than most have assumed, and that specific evidence for interpolation is often available.Successive chapters then argue that 1 Cor. 11.3-16, 1 Cor. 2.6-16, 1 Cor. 12.31b-14.1a, and Rom. 1.18-2.29 are in fact non-Pauline interpolations, and Walker goes on to summarize arguments for the same conclusion regarding five additional passages. A brief epilogue addresses the question of interpolations and the canonical authority of scripture.
Brief description: William O. Walker, Jr is the Jennie Farris Railey King Professor of Religion, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas.
Review Quotes: 'Interpolations in the Pauline Letters should be read by every Pauline scholar...Walker reminds us that it is certainly possible or even probable that there are interpolations in Paul's letters.' Novum Testamentum Blog