Abstract:
Severe style in Galatians 5–6 is investigated from the perspective of the περὶ ἰδεῶν λόγου
of Hermogenes. Galatians 5:7–12 is an extreme example of what Hermogenes would
categorise as vehemence. At the same time, it signifies a turning point: Harshness against
the opposition peaks and is relentlessly sustained, whilst severity against Paul’s Galatian
recipients is slackening, but only up to a point. A résumé of the twofold trajectory of
severity in Galatians is presented. Hermogenes can significantly help us appreciate the
sustained presence, form and functioning of severe language in Galatians; much better
than any or a combination of the three classical genres of speech topics. In view of the
correspondences between Galatians and Hermogenes, it may even be asked whether Paul
was familiar with traditional rhetorical material that in some form eventually also reached
Hermogenes.
