With his Epistles, the Apostle Paul not only gave theological instruction but also cultivated individual relationships with the communities he was addressing. This study examines how the Epistles set up and secure Paul's continuing importance for the churches if it has not already been established through his Apostolate. This is achieved above all by means of metaphors. The study focuses on the parent-child metaphors (1 Thess. 2; 1 Cor. 4; Gal. 4) with which Paul seeks to bind his children to himself in a special way.

Habilitationsschrift. Christine Gerber ist Privatdozentin für Neues Testament an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.