This article argues for the presence and importance of Paul’s warfare terminology in 2 Corinthians 4–6. It provides a sample of Greco-Roman sources which utilize the same martial imagery that Paul employs in these chapters and asserts that the apostle weaves a martial motif in the early chapters of this epistle to depict a cosmic and apocalyptic contest. Although Paul borrows military language from the human arena, he employs it to portray a supernatural conflict and to provide a glimpse into his apostolic role and identity which are shaped by the existence of this cosmic combat.
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