304 philip l. tite
forth in my work on Valentinian paraenesis, I offer a close analysis of the
paraenesis in laod 10–14.
these verses are arranged in a simple a-B-a structure with the two
outer units (vv. 10–11 and 14–16) vividly paralleling each other in the pre-
sentation of the imperatives (table 1).
this parallel structure effectively relates key hortative elements of
reminding, static/dynamic commands, and motivational clauses between
the two units.
In vv. 10a and 16b, Ps.-Paul evokes a reminding motif, starr’s third aspect
of paraenesis. Ps.-Paul concentrates on memory rather than imparting
new information to the laodiceans. two qualifications, however, emerge
in this presentation. first, the source of what they are being reminded
of is that which they “heard in my presence” (praesentia mei), which, in
turn, evokes the “true gospel proclaimed by me” (veritate evangelii, quod
a me praedicatur) and “true gospel” in v. 5. second, this call to remem-
brance recalls for the recipients that they have both heard and accepted
this previous teaching. discursively, these qualifications underscore the
amicable relations shared by the author and recipients (in contrast to the
confrontational relations with other teachers).
simply the best way to achieve the common goals, and both parties have already agreed on
these” (starr, “Was Paraenesis for Beginners?” in engberg-Pedersen and starr [eds.], Early
Christian Paraenesis in Context, 79–80).