In this video, we look at how the apostle Paul uses lists of opposites to help his readers to think about how they can live in harmony despite their differences. We notice how Paul’s way of thinking was very radical for his times. How does it speak us today? (Note: when the video came out, this topic was -- and still is -- a very sensitive issue; I promise you that I prepared this reflection before the murder of George Floyd.) Although the three texts were written by Paul for Christian communities in the first century, I think they encourage society at large to reflect on life lived together. The key principle underlined by the three lists is expressed succinctly in this verse:
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him (Rom. 10:12)."
For a discussion of a punishment decree against shepherds in SEG 58 (2008), 1504 Dionysopolis and Hierapolis, ca. 250 AD, see Lukas Bormann, “Barbaren und Skythen im Lykostal? Epigraphischer Kommentar zu Kol 3,11» in Thomas Corsten, Markus Öhler, and Jozef Verheyden. Epigraphical Evidence Illustrating Paul's Letter to the Colossians. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament 411. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018, p. 161–98, here 179.
Some might enjoy this article: “Neither Jew nor Greek, Slave nor Free, Male and Female” by Karin Neutel originally appeared in the January/February 2018 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review. It was first republished in Bible History Daily on January 12, 2018. @l-archaeology-review/44/1/16
About the Scythians: Josephus writes about the Scythians: “Now, as to the Scythians, they take a pleasure in killing men, and differ little from brute beasts.” 41. Josephus, Ag. Ap. 2.38 §269. See Karen S. Rubinson, “Scythians,” in ABD, 5:1056–57.
