Paul and the Therapy of Desire

In this book Nelida Naveros Cordova offers an in-depth analysis of the use of the Greek term epithymia (desire) and cognates in Paul's seven genuine letters in light of the Greek philosophical traditions of Plato and the Stoics and the Hellenistic Jewish traditions of Philo and 4 Maccabees. Through the lens of these traditions of interpretations Pauline texts are thoughtfully examined to bring to the fore his ethical understanding of the passion of desire focusing on its association with idolatry within Paul's Christocentric monotheism and sexual vices that were common in the pagan Greco-Roman world. Naveros Cordova not only expounds the dangers of epithymia and its negative sequels (all kinds of passions/desires sinful passions beyond measure and excessive sexual desire) but also comprehensively elucidates Paul's solution to the problem of epithymia. She argues that Paul's remedy to avoid and/or control desire and eliminate excessive or irrational desire is not based on the practice of a commandment or food laws which is the solution that Philo and 4 Maccabees give. Rather Paul as a Hellenistic-Jewish believer develops his solution in the context of his Christocentric approach founded in the grace of God and the love commandment in the Spirit.