A Taxonomy of Paul’s Wonderworking

Chapter 4 examines Paul’s performance of wondrous feats, divine abilities, and transformations through ritual power. First, the chapter considers his use of the terms dunameis [powers] and terata [wonders]. While some scholars have argued that Paul (begrudgingly) discusses wondrous powers only with his Corinthian followers, the chapter shows that he mentions such powers also in 1 Thessalonians, Galatians, and Romans. The chapter then looks at his claims to heal the diseases, illnesses, and pains of others, utilizing no expertise beyond the power invested in him from a deity. Finally, Pauline baptism is treated not as an initiation or purification ritual, but in light of ritual powers that purport to change the material nature of bodies. The ritual transformation of material bodies is a sorely overlooked aspect of Paul’s baptismal claims, and one that locates the practice among those frequently called mageia and goēteia.