"Interprets Paul s letter in light of its rhetorical content and cultural context"
Skeptical of the trend among many biblical scholars to analyze Paul s short, affectionate letter to the Philippians in light of Greco-Roman letter-writing conventions, Ben Witherington instead looks at Philippians as a masterful piece of long-distance "oratory" an extension of Paul s oral speech, dictated to a scribe and meant to be read aloud to its recipients. Witherington examines Philippians in light of Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions, identifying Paul s purpose, highlighting his main points and his persuasive strategies, and considering how his original audience would have heard and received Paul s message."