Abstract

Chapter I of this investigation identifies a number of texts in the New Testament in which the coordination of the 'words and deeds' of an individual or group is the focal point of the moral situation, reflecting the pre-Homeric collocation, logo kai ergo. While this is generally recognized by NT interpreters, only rarely does the collocation significantly influence the interpretation of these passages. The tendency is to relate it to faith and works, and understand it in relation to 'hearing and doing.' ;Chapter II examines the linguistic history of the collocation from Homer to the Hellenistic period. It appears in a variety of Greek and Hellenistic literature, inclusive of epic, gnomic poetry, tragedy, comedy, historiography, sophism, rhetoric, philosophy, science and religion. The collocation functions paraenetically, polemically, apologetically, and propagandistically, binding its users to a moral vision in which the 'words and deeds' of an individual--mortal or divine--or a group is the focus. The collocation is used with great facility to present the moral worth of the sage and religious figure. Transformations occur when the emphasis is placed on one of its two elements, or the elements are re-valued, subordinating the one to the other. In such instances alternative and competing moral visions emerge. ;Chapter III examines the role of the collocation in II Cor. 10-13, where it occurs in the context of an apology, controlling the reasoning throughout. Paul responds to typical allegations raised against philosophers and religious figures, formulated here in terms of the 'antithetical' construction of the collocation. In 10:11 he states that whatever he is in 'word' through epistles while absent, he is also in 'deed' when present. In this way he presents the defense of his moral integrity, and refutes the charge that he is a religious charlatan. Paul's integrity may be described as autonomous theonomy in as much as his authority is ultimately derived from the Lord, but at the concrete level of his defense it is presented in terms of the coordination of his own 'words and deeds.'