“This excellent research work by Fr. Joshy sheds new light on the Apostle Paul’s understanding of the sanctifying role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. ...In a word, with his superb work, Fr Joshy has successfully filled this lacuna in New Testament studies. His study puts forward many fresh theological insights into the primary role of the Holy Spirit in the divine work of the sanctification of Christian believers.”

Prof. Scott Brodeur, SJ
Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

“This book is the result of a solid, consistent, and serious process of research. … [and] demonstrates clearly its originality and novelty.….. Using literary-rhetorical analysis and applying it to the two selected texts (1Cor 6,7-11 and Rom 15,14-21) as the principal synchronic method, the author was able to skillfully combine it with the historical-critical method, thus bringing the meaning of the two studied texts into their comprehensive and complete significance. Fr. Joshy, therefore, has done pioneering work with this monograph. He demonstrated the broad biblical and historical context, exegetical, scriptural argumentation and hermeneutics, as well as Paul’s understanding of the sanctification realized by the Holy Spirit active in the Christian life.”

Prof. Bernadeta Jojko
Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

“This book is a brilliant exposition of the Pauline understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification as expressed in 1 Cor 6:7-11 and Rom 15:14-21. The author’s careful and detailed close reading and interpretation of the passages brought out the theological purpose envisioned by Paul in these texts. This study invites every baptized Christian to be sanctified in the world as bearers of God’s love through participating in the life of Christ, his Son, and the gifts of the Spirit.”

Dr. Thomas Karimundackal, SJ
Jnana Deepa, Pontifical Athenaeum of Philosophy and Theology, Pune

Contents

Foreword
Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction

PART ONE: 1 Corinthians 6,7-11. THE SPIRIT WHO SEPARATES

Chapter 1: The Context of 1 Corinthians 6,7-11

1. The Sender: Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles
2. The Addressees: Corinthian Christians
3. The Logos: The First Letter to the Corinthians
4. Rhetorical Context of 1 Cor 6,7-11
5. The Immediate Context of 1 Cor 6,7-11
6. The Text of 1 Cor 6,7-11
7. Summary

Chapter 2: A Close Reading of 1 Corinthians 6,7-11

1. 1 Cor 6,7a
2. 1 Cor 6,7b-8
3. 1 Cor 6,9-10
4. 1 Cor 6,11
5. Pauline Argumentation in 1 Cor 6,7-11

Chapter 3: The Holy Spirit and Sanctification in 1 Corinthians 6,7-11

1. Process of Sanctification in 1 Cor 6,7-11
2. The Holy Spirit in the Process of Sanctification
3. The Sanctified Life of the Christians

PART TWO: ROMANS 15,14-21. THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION

Chapter 4: The Context of Romans 15,14-21

1. The Sender: Paul, The Apostle to the Gentiles
2. The Addressees: Roman Christians
3. The Logos: The Letter to the Romans
4. Rhetorical Context of Rom 15,14-21
5. The Text of Rom 15,14-21
6. Summary

Chapter 5: A Close Reading of Romans 15,14-21

1. Rom 15,14
2. Rom 15,15
3. Rom 15,16
4. Rom 15,17
5. Rom 15,18-19a
6. Rom 15,19b-21
7. Pauline Argumentation in Rom 15,14-21

Chapter 6: The Holy Spirit and Sanctification in Romans 15,14-21

1. Process of Sanctification in Rom 15,14-21
2. The Holy Spirit in the Process of Sanctification
3. Proclamation of the Gospel as the New Cult of Sanctification

PART THREE: CONCLUSION

Chapter 7: The Holy Spirit in the Process of Sanctification

1. 1 Cor 6,7-11 and Rom 15,14-21 Compared
2. The Holy Spirit in the Process of Sanctification
3. Being the Aroma of Christ: Sanctified Christians in the World
4. Concluding Remarks

Bibliography
Index of Authors

Dr. Joshy Koonamparambath Varghese is a Catholic priest belonging to the Diocese of Balasore, Odisha. He holds a Licentiate in Scripture from Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, and a doctorate in Biblical Theology from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. He was fully involved in the parish pastoral ministry in different parishes in Rome and Balasore, Odisha. Currently, he is teaching Scripture at the Khristo Jyoti Mahavidyalaya, Sambalpur, Odisha.