Cousar identifies six prominent features of the Pauline letters, which sets the framework for discussion (Cousar 3-10). The intended audience were the Jews Although Paul associates primarily as an apostle to the Gentiles, his indirect purpose in his composition of Romans, as Cousar remarks, was to “theologically engage in the aggressive evangelism of Jews” (Cousar 29). Paul employs a provocative remark, “You foolish Galatians!” (Gal 3:1), setting the essence for his apologetic rhetoric throughout the letter. It is appreciative that Cousar persuades a reader to not judge Paul as “rigid and insensitive”, but understand his rhetoric was to counter Jewish Christians who attacked other Christians by emphasising circumcision as imperative…show more content… Cousar elaborates that Paul was not an ego-centric person, and further defends him by his exegesis that similar statements was typically used by teachers in the historical context (Cousar 64). Suspicion arises that Cousar has diverged from his conservative interpretative pose. When Cousar substantiates his position with a passage where Paul considers Timothy and Epaphroditus as also a paradigm to the Philippians (Cousar 64), it is evident Paul was not engaging in self-glorification. This view is reiterated in Romans, where Paul exhorts the community to conform to the pattern of Christ (and himself). If Paul was indeed a teacher, it allows the reader to reconsider the qualities a teacher in the historical context possessed, possibly influenced by Greek philosophical virtues. Further, Cousar permits appreciation of ‘apostle’ Paul’s pastoral qualities. Cousar recalls Paul’s exhortation for Philemon to be righteous and that he will follow up in the matter (Cousar 63). Clearly, this indicates Paul’s function as a teacher and discipliner, as typical of a pastor. In Galatians, Paul cautions of a ‘menace’ (Cousar 64), a role usually reserved for a church elder. Cousar positively portrays Paul as highly involved in resolving internal conflicts, arising from a group clashing with the churches identity. In Romans, he reunites the constituent parties in the Philippian congregation (Cousar 65). Pastoral caring is evident when Paul wanted to be updated on the wellbeing of the Philippians (Cousar
