Verwandlung durch Offenbarung bei Paulus

Since the 'religionsgeschichtliche Schule', the transformation motif in 2 Corinthians 3 has often been traced back to the ancient mysteries. In contrast to this, Frances Back sees in it an analogy to the transformation concept in Philo, in the »Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum« and in »Joseph and Aseneth«. The transformation makes the reception of a revelation by people in the world visible and shows that they are true messengers of God. When Paul applies the transformation motif to himself, he emphasizes that he has received and proclaimed a divine message. The reference to Moses and his transformation into splendor, a reference which has often been found confusing, is given a rational explanation against this backdrop. In concurrence with the subject of the context it helps Paul to prove his legitimacy as an apostle.