To Exhort and Reprove: Audience Response to the Chiastic Structures of Paul's Letter to Titus

Description: Pauls letter to Titus is one of the most neglected letters of the New Testament. Many have contended that it is an incoherent letter devoid of a theological message and purpose. This study proposes otherwise presenting an entirely new structure for Titus that demonstrates how the theme Exhort and Reprove to Commendable Works according to the Hope of Eternal Life unfolds through the chiastic structures in the letter. Jeon not only demonstrates the unity of the letter but also invites the reader to explore other ways chiasms can be used to enhance New Testament interpretation. Any intrigued by Titus and the Pastoral Letters as a whole will discover herein a unique approach to the letter and a fresh and invigorating interpretation of its underlying message. Endorsements: Jeon offers a new proposal for the overall structure of this often neglected letter taking account of all the details of the text to demonstrate not only its comprehensive unity but the rhetorical power of its chiastic structures. Highly recommended for all students of the Pauline Letters. --John Paul Heil The Catholic University of America Jeon provides a helpful resource for studies in the Book of Titus. He not only succeeds in presenting a persuasive case for the chiastic structure of this epistle he also integrates this literary structure with the apostles overall message: namely to exhort and reprove according to the hope of eternal life. This book will enhance the library of any pastor as well as add to scholarly discussions in Pauline studies. --Peter Lee Reformed Theological Seminary Jeon has done a marvelous job in bringing a fresh and clear perspective on the book of Titus. His clear writing and persuasive arguments for the chiastic structure of Titus are convincing and moving. To Exhort and Reprove should be required for any serious scholar pastor or layperson who desires to understand and appreciate the letter of Titus. --Benjamin C. Shin Talbot School of Theology at Biola University On the basis of a close reading of the Letter to Titus Jeon uncovers the chiastic structure of this letter thereby clarifying its purpose and meaning for the general reader as well as for specialists in Pauline studies. Readers of his work will benefit from and appreciate his close exegesis of the text. --Frank J. Matera The Catholic University of America About the Contributor(s): PAUL S. JEON (PhD Catholic University of America) is visiting professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary (DC) an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and lead pastor of NewCity Church. He is also the author of two books published by Wipf & Stock: Introducing Romans (2010) and True Faith (2012).