Hermogenes the Smith and Narrative Characterisation in The Acts of Paul: A Note on the Reception of 2 Timothy

The figures of Demas and Hermogenes in the Acts of Paul are puzzling for their ambiguous relation with figures by the same name in 2 Timothy (and, for Demas, in Philemon and Colossians). The purpose of the present article is to question what personal biographical details present in the Thecla narrat...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Edsall, Benjamin A. 1982- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Cambridge Univ. Press [2018]
In: New Testament studies
Year: 2018, Volume: 64, Issue: 1, Pages: 108-121
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Acts of Paul / Bible. Timotheusbrief 2. / Hermogenes, Biblical person / Literary characters / Character presentation / Smith
IxTheo Classification:CD Christianity and Culture
HC New Testament
KAB Church history 30-500; early Christianity
Further subjects:B Acts of Paul
B early Christian interpretation
B Reception History
B smiths
B 2 Timothy
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Summary:The figures of Demas and Hermogenes in the Acts of Paul are puzzling for their ambiguous relation with figures by the same name in 2 Timothy (and, for Demas, in Philemon and Colossians). The purpose of the present article is to question what personal biographical details present in the Thecla narrative contribute to larger issues of literary dependence, focusing in particular on the notice that Hermogenes is a ‘coppersmith'. Although several scholars explain this passing reference in terms of a confused literary dependence on previous Pauline traditions, it is rarely approached as a meaningful narrative feature. This personal detail, however, should be read for its contribution to the Thecla narrative in light of the wider early Christian view of ‘smiths', running from the New Testament texts into the third century and later. When these elements are taken into account, the smith-notice is highlighted as characterising Hermogenes (and, by extension, Demas) negatively.
ISSN:1469-8145
Contains:Enthalten in: New Testament studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1017/S0028688517000248