Above Contingencies

Heilig’s final chapter contains some reflections on the lack of sensitivities in New Testament scholarship – in terms of postcolonial theory, cognitive linguistics, and digital humanities – which have resulted in some of these imperial insights being overlooked. This chapter is far-ranging and sometimes disorientating, but Heilig provides a helpful conclusion to the study. John Barclay’s generous foreword offers some fine evaluative content. I also applaud Heilig’s knowledge of a host of ancient sources, German and English scholarship, and mediation in this debate as valuable. My main concern is that while Heilig’s erudition is evident, this relatively short book is rather intense and diffuse. It is perhaps more appropriate for those already seated at the table of this debate than for those seeking orientation. In sum, Heilig’s hypothesis is promising, but I would welcome a slightly longer and smoother account that treats other passages (e.g., Rom 13:1–7, Phil 3:17–21) in as much detail as 2 Cor 2:14 to be more convinced by it.