A Text centred rhetorical analysis of Paul's Letter to Titus

perspective and b) portraying it as primarily a picture of human sinfulness.
The section is applicable firstly to the Cretans, Paul and Titus and then to the
rest of humanity.
The section evinces what I refer to as self-vilification. The purpose of the
shame list is to evoke disgust within the hearers with a concomitant sense of
worthlessness. Through the “once-now” or “potev-o{te” scheme, which serves
as a transitional device, the author is anticipating the event that made the
difference in his audience, something they would only appreciate once they've
come to terms with their own unworthiness.
Intra-sectional coherence is achieved through rhetorical techniques like
alliteration and rhyme, chiasmus, inclusive language, implicit contrast, and
“emphatic pairing”. Intersectional coherence is achieved through the use of
the conjunction gavr, paranomasia and repetition, particularly of the following
words: ajpeiqei`" and douleuvonte". The latter word is also used in a
metaphorical way as opposed to its “normal” meaning in the rest of the letter.
We also have in this section the simultaneous use of asyndeton and
syndeton, with the latter in a structure referred to as syndetic pairing. All of
these are emphatic and used to facilitate coherence within the discourse. The
apostle argues from the basis of identification with his audience in order to
achieve his objective of engendering a compliant attitude. This technique
provides the apostle with a platform from which to address his audience,
effectively reinforcing his authority over or right to speak to them with such
candour.
2.2.9 Titus 3:4-7: Persuading the Cretans that displaying good works to
those considered undeserving demonstrates conformity to the divine
example
In this section, Paul’s dominant rhetorical objective is to persuade the Cretans
that displaying good works to those considered undeserving, demonstrates
PDF created with pdfFactory Pro trial version www.pdffactory.com
129