Rhetorical criticism of the Bible has been in vogue for a number of years now and generated much interest , particularly among New Testament scholars . Anderson , after giving a brief critical introduction to the rhetorical approach generally , focuses upon the application of ancient rhetorical theory to the letters of the apostle Paul , paying particular attention to questions of methodology . He provides an extensive review of the sources of ancient rhetorical theory which may be considered most relevant to a Greek speaker of the first century AD such as Paul , carefully distinguishing between philosophical and school rhetorical theory . Having determined which aspects of ancient rhetorical theory may be most suitably used in respect of Paul's letters , Anderson goes on to examine the letters to the Galatians , the Romans , and the first letter to the Corinthians . In each case a critical assessment of recent literature concerning the application of ancient rhetorical theory to these letters is given . In addition , an enlightening rhetorical analysis of the doctrinal portions of the letters to the Galatians and Romans is provided from the perspective of contemporary rhetorical theory . Anderson approaches his analysis in terms of how a contemporary professor of rhetoric may have looked at Paul's letters . The study concludes by addressing the difficult question as to the likelihood of Paul's conscious use of rhetorical theory , and the overall value of an ancient rhetorical approach to Paul's letters . R.D. Anderson ( 1963 ) studied music and then ancient classics at Victoria Universtiy of Wellington ( New Zealand ) . Studies in theology were conducted in Canada ( Hamilton , Ont . ) between 1987 and 1991 Since 1992 he has been engaged in research at the Theological University in Kampen ( Broederweg ) , the Netherlands .