Philo at SBL Annual Meeting (II)

We continue our presentation of sessions that focus on Philo of Alexandria at this year's SBL Annual Meeting in Washington:

S20-18Hebrews
11/20/2006 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Room: 140A - CC

Theme: Emerging Studies in the Book of Hebrews
Kevin B. McCruden, Gonzaga University
High Priestly Patronage and Philanthropia in the Epistle to the Hebrews
(30 min) Discussion (15 min)
Abstract: "Integral to Hebrews' highly sacrificial portrait of the Christ event is a profound emphasis on the beneficent aspect of Christ's high priestly status. Hebrews depicts Christ as a "merciful and faithful high priest," (Heb 2:17) who actively "sympathizes" with the "weaknesses" of the faithful (Heb 4:15). This paper explores the exegetical connections to be made between such beneficent christology and the ideas surrounding the virtue of philanthropia as a both a royal and divine attribute in the roman imperial period. Particular attention will be paid to the following areas: the prominent place given to the virtue of philanthropia in relation to the Roman Caesars; the ancient testimonies concerning the beneficent activity of the god Asclepius; and lastly, Philo of Alexandria’s encomium on philanthropia in the De virtutibus. This paper will argue that ancient reflection on the virtue of philanthropia in both Greco-Roman and Jewish sources offers a new and fruitful vantage point from which to appreciate the highly beneficent dimension of Hebrews’ priestly christology. In essence, Hebrews depicts the exalted Christ as the divine patron Son, who in consequence of death is now presently and beneficently available to a beleaguered community likely residing in Rome."