Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 March 1999
When Paul uses the verb πρoεγραϕη in Gal 3.1 he is not referring to an earlier writing of his, nor is he appealing to prophecies written in scripture. It may be possible to see here an allusive employment of mystery vocabulary. The dominant view is that πρoγραϕη implies a purely verbal depiction of Christ, the visual language being understood metaphorically. This article argues that the visual aspect of πρoγραϕη signifies Paul's display of the crucified Christ who was living in him according to the immediately preceding verses 2.19–21. Paul displayed the crucified Christ primarily in persecution suffered for his gospel.