Paul's use of ethos and pathos in Galatians: Its implications for effective preaching

Abstract

The primary purpose of this thesis was to discover whether two classical modes of persuasion, which Paul used in the letter to the Galatians, are really useful tools for effective preaching. This study consists of seven chapters. The introductory chapter provided a problem posing and formulation of the study, a clear study goal and hypothesis and delimitation and definition, and indicated the methodology to be used to accomplish this thesis. In chapter two, a historical review of classical rhetoric was presented. A brief history of classical rhetoric and the relationship between rhetoric and preaching as communication were explained to serve as general background to classical rhetoric and the relationship between rhetoric and preaching. In chapter three, some basic concepts of classical rhetorical theories for this thesis were considered to explain how these terms are used and related in this thesis. Chapter four was devoted to two parts. First is an investigation of Paul in an attempt to determine whether he used classical rhetorics. Galatians is a strong echo of Paul’s actual oral preaching so that the level of Paul’s rhetorical awareness and the nature and characteristics of his letter can be grasped. Second is an examination of the rhetorical situation in which the original communication was accomplished. To understand the kinds of rhetoric, and Paul’s main purpose in Galatians, the particular historical situation and rhetorical problems have to be understood, as well as the literary structure of Galatians, the purpose of Galatians and Paul’s intent in the letter as a whole. In chapter five, the modes of persuasion (ethos, and pathos) in Galatians were analysed. This chapter showed the reader how Paul used and developed Aristotles’ two modes of persuasion in his preaching to persuade audiences effectively to actions. In chapter six, the implications for effective preaching was discussed in terms of the twin modes of persuasion in Galatians. This study set the important strategies for effective contemporary preaching. Chapter seven presented and an overview and sermon outline of the four elements of persuasion for effective preaching and contributions to persuasive preaching for the effective preacher. In the final chapter, a summary of the contents was presented in the Conclusion, which arrived at a concrete argument in terms of which the hypothesis presented in the Introduction can be tested.