Travel among Early Christians: A Socio-theological Analysis of Pauline and Ignatian Communities

Jason Borges (Ph.D., Durham University) is Associate Director of the Asia Minor Research Center (Antalya, Turkey) and Adjunct Professor at Columbia International University. He is the author of Early Christians in Greco-Roman Cities (Baker Academic, 2016) and multiple articles on early Christianity.

• ContentsPrefaceList of Maps and TablesPart 1 Interpreting Travel1 Interpreting Travel among Early Christians1.1 Interpretations of Early Christian Travel1.2 Approaching Early Christian Travel1.3 Defining Travel among Early Christians2 A Model for Interpreting Travel2.1 The Meaning of Travel2.2 The Value of Travel2.3 The Identity of Travelers and Hosts2.4 ConclusionsPart 2 Travel among Pauline Communities3 Paul’s Travel into Galatia3.1 Paul’s Representation of Travel in Gal 4:12–203.2 The Theological Significance of Travel and Hospitality in Galatians3.3 Conclusions4 Philemon’s Persona as a Host4.1 Introducing Travel in Phlm4.2 The Geographical Context of Phlm4.3 Philemon “Refreshing” the Saints4.4 Philemon as a πρόξενος-Like Host4.5 The Identity and Effects of Philemon’s Guests4.6 Conclusions5 Onesimus’ Departure and Return5.1 Introducing Onesimus’ Travel5.2 Onesimus’ Departure to Seek a Mediator5.3 Onesimus’ Return as a Gospel Minister5.4 ConclusionsPart 3Travel among Ignatian Communities6 Ignatius Travel across Asia6.1 From Antioch to Smyrna6.2 Events in Smyrna6.3 From Smyrna to Troas6.4 From Troas to Rome6.5 The Travel Logistics of Ignatius’ Group6.6 Conclusions7 The Churches’ Travel to Ignatius7.1 The People Who Visited Ignatius7.2 The Purpose of Visiting Ignatius7.3 The Risks of Visiting Ignatius7.4 The Motivations for Visiting Ignatius7.5 Conclusions8 The Churches’ Travel to Antioch8.1 The Problem and “Peace” in Antioch8.2 Ignatius’ Ambassadorial Language for the Churches’ Visit8.3 Envoys and Intercivic Harmony8.4 The Purpose of the Envoys to Antioch8.5 Conclusions9 Conclusion9.1 Social Meanings: Travel and Christian Identity9.2 Theological Beliefs: Travel and the New Honor CodeBibliography