The Eagle and the Dove: Roman Imperial Sonship and the Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1.9-11)

This essay argues that the common understanding of imperial divine sonship among biblical scholars can be reframed by emphasizing the importance of adoption in Roman society and imperial ideology. A case study from the Gospel of Mark—the portrayal of Jesus' baptism—demonstrates some of the pay-...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Peppard, Michael (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Cambridge Univ. Press 2010
In: New Testament studies
Year: 2010, Volume: 56, Issue: 4, Pages: 431-451
Further subjects:B Emperor
B Baptism
B dove
B Son of God
B divi filius
B Adoption
B Mimicry
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Parallel Edition:Electronic
Description
Summary:This essay argues that the common understanding of imperial divine sonship among biblical scholars can be reframed by emphasizing the importance of adoption in Roman society and imperial ideology. A case study from the Gospel of Mark—the portrayal of Jesus' baptism—demonstrates some of the pay-off for reading the NT with a newly contextualized perspective on divine sonship. Through engagement with diverse sources from the Hellenistic and Roman eras, the dove will be interpreted as an omen and counter-symbol to the Roman eagle, which was a public portent of divine favor, election, and ascension to power.
ISSN:1469-8145
Contains:Enthalten in: New Testament studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1017/S0028688510000159