This groundbreaking study, originally defended as a doctoral thesis at the University of Heidelberg, remains as relevant today as when it was first published in 1989. It offers an exhaustive exploration of the Pauline epistles by comparing them to approximately 200 Greek and Latin letter collections created by over 100 authors spanning from 300 BCE to 400 CE. This comprehensive approach addresses key issues such as letter editing, form-critical evaluation, historical authenticity, and manuscript transmission. The text pairs its academically rigorous German prose with English summaries, facilitating quick identification of pertinent sections for researchers. Anchored in primary sources, this study is an invaluable resource that advances scholarly understanding while also engaging those interested in the broader literary and religious implications of ancient epistolary collections. This reprint comes with comprehensive indices, footnotes, and an expansive bibliography that attests to the depth of research involved. The work is also available as a Kindle e-book replica, preserving the original layout and pagination for convenience. Discover why this seminal work has enduring significance in understanding the rich tapestry of ancient letters and their profound influence on religious and literary traditions.weiterlesen