Corpus-Paul

["Andrew T. Dolan MA., PhD. Cand" <dolan AT lasalle.edu>]

On May 10, Jeff Peterson noted

As to the definition of apocalyptic, Christopher Rowland's _Open Heaven_
remains a compelling case for broadening the term to refer to the disclosure
of heavenly secrets... So the genre is constitued by concern for matters
ordinarily inaccessible to earthbound mortals but disclosed to chosen
persons by God.

Your point is very helpful in teasing out the meaning of "apocalyptic."  I'm
inclined to side with Collins and his SBL crew in restricting the term
"apocalypse" to a particular kind of revelatory literature.  By extension,
I'm reluctant to describe as "apocalyptic" (despite its etymology) all sorts
of revelatory literature or experience.  If by apocalypse we mean all
revelatory literature, then we must include works not traditionally or
explicitly called apocalypses.  (I'm thinking here of Ps.-Phocylides.)  That
Paul had one or more visionary experiences in which heavenly truths were
revealed does not suffice to identify him or his message as apocalyptic.
Consider the prophets of ancient Israel who had revelatory experiences,
including visions of judgment, otherworldly or transcendent realities (e.g.,
the divine council, the Kavod of YHWH), and two ages.  Few characterize the
prophets as apocalyptic.  (On this point, see Paul Hanson's Dawn of
Apocalyptic.)
        I find it sufficient to describe Paul as apocalyptic inasmuch as he 
seems
to subscribe to an apocalyptic eschatology.

Andrew T. Dolan, Ph.D. Cand.
Core Adjunct Professor of Religion and Classics
McShain Hall 211
LaSalle University - 129
1900 W. Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA  19141-1199
(215) 951-1327
dolan AT lasalle.edu
http://www.lasalle.edu/~dolan/home.htm